Archive of Our Own

Admittedly, the get-together had been last minute. Drinks were purchased an hour til and random snacks were piled together in the kitchen. A few movie cases sprawled across the coffee table as options.  

But Sonic was excited. He hadn’t seen everyone together in some time.

A few years ago, Tails moved out to live with Cream. It was a difficult adjustment, but Sonic could say he was better at living alone now. They saw each other as often as possible, and he didn’t live that far away. 

Amy had her hands full with her curio shop, trying to get everything set up to co-own with Blaze as well as promote her new book on self discovery titled, “Yourself, And Where to Find Her”. Sonic tried to read it, but fell asleep after the second page. Nothing against her book, just books in general.

Knuckles and Rouge recently had a baby, so that was where all their time was funneled. Enough said.

As the agreed upon hour approached, Sonic threw on some joggers and a hoodie for added comfort, then sat himself at the kitchen island to watch the door.

Then came the phone calls. One by one, everyone canceled. 

“Not feeling well.” 

“Baby is fussy.”

“It’s negative ten degrees outside, Sonic.”

Sure, okay, whatever. Sonic understood they had their own lives, but man, he was a little devastated. Part of him hated getting older. It had become a strange type of isolation. Some of it was his fault. It was easier for him to run over to their places to hang around, and he hadn’t done that in a while. But was it wrong to want people to come to him first for once? 

He could’ve just been emotional after he hadn’t been out of the house properly in more than a week because of the weather—sunbathing in Tails’s old greenhouse did not count. 

Nothing interesting had happened for a while, either. Slow season. He was so restless he often visualized himself clawing from his skin.

With a long sigh, Sonic pulled a big bag of chips over and tore it open, ready to munch his night away. But on the dot of nine, a knock sounded from the door. Running the list of people he’d invited through his head, he brushed the crumbs from his gloves and answered it.

There, in the negative degree weather with snow speckled over his fur and leather jacket, stood Shadow. 

“Shadow? What the hell—that jacket can’t be warm, dude.”

“It isn’t.”

Sonic stepped aside to wave him in, then stuck his head out to see if anyone had accompanied him. Nothing but a gust of frigid air. Closing the door and leaning against it while Shadow shook off snow, Sonic tucked his hands into his hoodie’s pockets.

“Not that you’re not welcome, but what are you doing here?”

Like he just noticed the absence of others, Shadow glanced around, then frowned. “Rouge asked me to come. Where is everyone?”

“They canceled.”

“Why?”

“Various reasons. Rouge didn’t tell you?”

“No,” Shadow said, scowling. “She begged me to be here, too. 

“Damn. That’s rough, buddy.”

Shadow fidgeted, then said, “I’m going home.”

“What? No way—you just got here. Am I that bad?”

“Yes.”

Sonic rolled his eyes and muttered, “I have always admired your honesty.” He scrambled toward Shadow when he pulled out his Chaos emerald. “Woah, hey, seriously, man, hang for a bit?”

“Why should I?”

“Heard you’ve been irritable lately. The hangar is empty if you wanna spar, maybe let off some steam.”

“Who—” He cut himself off, knowing exactly who. “I’m fine. It’s none of your business.”

“C’mon, Shadow, you’re making me look desperate.”

“You are being desperate.”

“Okay, so…? So what? I’m, like… lonely or something. It happens.” He shrugged his shoulder defensively. “And you showed up on my doorstep, so… give me a few rounds? I could use some steam-offing, too. I’ll even say please.”

“So, you’re begging me,” Shadow teased with a hardly noticeable upturn of his mouth.

A grin rose Sonic’s cheeks, but he willed it away by scrunching his snout. “Alright, I’m no longer asking.” 

Dashing past Shadow, he snatched the emerald from his palm, which guaranteed he’d follow. Sonic burst through the side door to the large empty hangar they typically kept the Tornado in. Tails finished setting one up at his own house, so it lived over there for the winter.

Shadow lunged at Sonic without warning, slamming him backward into the hangar’s wall, sending a loud warble of vibrations through the metal. Gloved hands clawed at his chest, but Shadow’s toothy smile read playful.

A sharp, thrilled laugh rang from Sonic as he twisted free with ease. Skidding across the room, he peeled off his hoodie mid-motion and tossed it over his drum set. Dust puffed out where it landed.

They collided again, feet scraping, fists flying, bodies weaving in and out of each other’s space in a rhythm only they could achieve together. Sonic ducked under a punch, flicked a finger against Shadow’s ear, and darted sideways with a grin that eagerly awaited retaliation. But Shadow didn’t snap or snarl. Just kept coming, relentless and silent, absent of his typical venom. All motion and matched eagerness. 

The night flew by. They sparred and chatted between, Sonic suggesting certain tactics to practice and complaining extensively about the weather. Shadow listened, as usual. Not much of a talker, but Sonic liked that kind of company at times. There weren’t too many people that listened to him by syllable anymore. 

Sonic tried not to acknowledge how hard Shadow’s participation made his heart flutter.

An end to their spar came naturally… eventually. They had similar stamina. Both their chests chased air, and their fur ruffled with sweat. Sonic smiled when Shadow fluffed his quills.

“You’re handling this pretty well. Don’t tell me you’re getting soft,” Sonic said, then tossed him the emerald.

Shadow snatched it from the air. “Are you trying to piss me off?”

“Typically, yeah. It’s funny.”

“Aren’t you getting a little old for that?”

“To mess with you? Never. I need some constants.”

Leaning against a wall, Sonic slid to the ground to sit with his knees tucked against his chest. He patted the spot next to him as an invitation.

A thick swallow passed down Shadow’s throat as he considered him. It could’ve been the lighting, but his cheeks were flushed. He looked at the emerald in his palm, then at the open hangar door. A debate. Oddly, a deep one. Sighing, he fused the emerald through his chest and sat next to him.

Though he’d never admit it, Sonic loved when Shadow was like this—the way he’d been all night. Without his sour mood that often sparked vitriol between them, they could actually talk. Sonic’s heart swelled when Shadow spoke to him like a regular person. Though, part of the deal in getting to hear that was checking his own instigation habit. 

They sat together against the wall, listening to the hum of the old heater through the vents.

“How can you be lonely with so many people around you?” Shadow asked, contemplative.

Sonic tugged absently at the frayed cuff of his sweatpants, eyes fixed on a crack in the floor. “It’s like… I dunno. Different.” He set an elbow on his knee. “They’re not around much anymore. And everyone’s paired off. I feel kinda weird around all that stuff right now. I haven’t even touched a woman in years.”

“You might have to stand still for a second for that to happen.”

Sonic huffed a laugh. “I don’t wanna have to slow down, you know? I want someone who can keep up. Not just with the speed, but… with me?”

To remind him that he still hadn’t called Tails about them, and after they’d been struggling during their presence, the hangar lights gave up and flickered off. Darkness folded in, save for the soft glow from the hallway to the kitchen. It framed Shadow in warm edges, barely catching the thoughtful crease within his brow. Shadow’s mouth opened, but he decided against whatever words had brewed. 

Sonic’s lips quirked. “I don’t necessarily expect you to get it.”

“Why wouldn’t I get it? I get lonely—same as you.”

“Yeah, but you’re, like… Shadow. You like being alone, don’t you?”

“No, actually,” he mumbled.

“Color me surprised.” Sonic set back against the wall and let his head tip up to the ceiling. “I think it’s hitting me more lately. Getting older. Everyone is changing. Slowing down. Solidifying their lives or whatever.

“I blink and suddenly Tails is responsible for most of the city’s infrastructure, Amy’s got a business and a book deal, and Knuckles—Knuckles has a kid. Like, an actual child. What the hell is that about? Meanwhile, I’m chasing adrenaline like it’s supposed to fill something.”

“It doesn’t.”

“It fills part of something, maybe, but not everything. Not the way it used to. Not even sure that’s healthy.” He sighed. “I don’t wanna be that guy who’s forever just passing through. I mean, I’m fine with that, I guess, but… after seeing everyone so content… I’ve got this nagging feeling.”

Shadow’s gaze flickered to him, unreadable. “You want something for yourself.”

“Yeah... Something that doesn’t fall apart when I’m gone for a while or vanish when the party’s over. I’ve had flings, hookups, whatever. I’ve messed around like it’s a sport. I’m tired. I want something real. Something that gives me a home-y feeling without being at home?” Sonic groaned. “God, I’m yapping. Sorry.”

The air kicked off. The quiet that followed was thick and pressing.

“I used to believe that I was built for solitude. That company was only a distraction,” Shadow said, focusing on adjusting one of his inhibitor rings. “But after Rouge moved out… I don’t know. It’s been on my mind, too.”

That quiet honesty. The flash of something unguarded. Sonic’s heart beat faster. Probably due to the suggestion sitting on his tongue hoping to be received well.

“I mean… we could try something,” he said, voice just above a whisper.

Shadow flinched. “Be together?”

Sonic’s stomach flipped. “No—I mean, maybe? I was thinking… hang out more. Keep each other company.”

“Is this relevant to touching women…?”

“Don’t say it like that.” Sonic dragged a hand over his face, but a laugh slipped out. He’d successfully unraveled a string from his pant cuff. “It doesn’t have to be relevant to that, but you’re, like… exactly what I’m looking for, Shadow. Um, company-wise? I… we’re so…” He trailed off, trying to collect his thoughts.

Shadow looked at him out of the corner of bewildered eyes. Sonic desperately wanted to brush it off as a joke, but he wasn’t nearly tactful enough when he meant what he said. A rush barreled through his gut, and his words ran off.

“Like, you can keep up with me. You’re sharp, intense, and caring in your own way. That broody, mysterious thing you’ve you got going on works. Maybe not how you mean it to, but… it’s magnetic. You always pull me in.” He hesitated, then added with a burning face, “You’re—God, you’re ridiculously attractive, dude.”

Shadow stared at him, ears drawn back. “What happened to women?”

“You’re kinda stuck on this women thing—I’m a free spirit.” He shrugged. “Women, men, I don’t care.” 

The silence stretched. Sonic’s nerves buzzed. He turned fully toward Shadow, shoulder pressed to the wall, trying to look casual while his heart pounded in his ears.

“Uhm, what about you? You think—… would you go for, like… me?”

“Don’t mess with me, Hedgehog. I don’t play games,” Shadow said, eyes narrowing.

“I’m not playing—cross my heart. I think I’m onto something, Shadow, I—” His hand lifted, fingers half-extended toward Shadow’s face, then froze.

What the hell was he doing? Had he gone stir-crazy? Insane?  It wasn’t fair to throw out something like this because of his own cooped-up brain or need for contact. There was a possibility he’d think differently about it in a week. But it was to a point he couldn’t ignore anymore; Shadow fit him perfectly. In power. In speed. In lifestyle. 

Shadow’s curious brown eyes dashed across his face, studying him quietly. The angles of his brow and snout were sharp, sculpted with care. Strength loomed beneath his fur, and Sonic had felt it in all steps of their evening, through blocks and playful grapples. His waist was trim. Sonic had imagined his hands on it more than once. Or his thumbs brushing his hip bones, pulling him close.

Sonic’s heart kicked hard. He wanted to kiss him. No, in his terrible, impulsive tendency, he had to. The urge clawed up from somewhere deep, reckless and aching. This wasn't ever supposed to leave his vault. But he wanted to press their mouths together until they fused, until the thick line between them dissolved into something else. 

If he had a chance, he needed to know now. Plus, he figured they could only get closer.

“Hey, I’m sorry, just let me try something—” he said, voice cracking. His hand continued its thought, landing on Shadow’s cheek before he quickly leaned in. 

Their lips met.

One. Two. Three beats. 

Shadow flinched back as though something vital had been short-circuited. His body went rigid, shoulders drawn tight. He didn’t speak. Didn’t move. He stared at Sonic, trying to make sense of the warmth still lingering on his lips. His gaze darted from Sonic’s eyes, to his mouth, to the hand again hovering, twitching in the space between them, unsure if a line had been crossed or if greener grass had been found.

Jaw clenched, Shadow’s own fingers curled into a fist on his thigh. Sonic took another chance and reached again, gently brushing over his muzzle fur, causing Shadow’s eyes to snap back to him, softer but still cautious. 

Sonic guided him forward, inch by inch, letting the slow silence do the asking. It was imperative that he kept any emotion from his face. 

Sure enough, Shadow’s lids drooped.

They met again, and Sonic couldn’t contain his astonishment. He shifted closer, pressed firmer, and shakily sighed through his nose. The taste of him had Sonic wishing he’d kissed him sooner. Cinnamon gum, likely gnawed on during the workday to keep from grinding his teeth. Shadow hated his desk position at GUN. 

Sonic hummed softly and tilted his head. His fingers pet the edge of Shadow’s jaw, thumb grazing the curve just beneath it, and he swore he could feel the tension unraveling. Heat bloomed in his chest, then spilled downward, curling through his stomach. 

Tender exchanges of contact and breath drifted through the hangar, warm and slow to combat the icy wind outside. Sonic caught Shadow’s bottom lip between his teeth and was rewarded with a low grunt. Shadow leaned in closer, then shifted his legs, angling to the side, the subtle twist of his hips bringing him closer, more open. Sonic slid his hand into the bend of his knee, anchoring him there, fingers pressing into the warmth. 

Their mouths met again and again, and it felt like each time they touched, it was a decision Shadow made. To keep kissing him, to allow him to hold him. Sonic licked into him, coaxing, hopeful. A tentative tongue brushed his own, and Sonic’s heart stuttered under the weight of being let in.

Shadow’s hand rose, fingers threading through the fluffed fur on Sonic’s chest. The touch was light, exploratory, and hesitant like everything else. Sonic’s shoulders prickled with gooseflesh, displaying how long it had been since someone touched him like that. The someone being Shadow only made it worse. Or better.

Considering that, Sonic’s restraint faltered. His hand drifted upward, tracing up the curve of Shadow’s thigh, then gliding along his hip until it reached the small of his back. He splayed his fingers there, feeling the way Shadow’s spine arched under the contact. A sweet, earthy scent clung to Shadow’s fur, subtle but intoxicating, and it made Sonic’s mouth water. Nudging under Shadow’s jaw, he placed his nose over his pulse and inhaled deeply, the scent drawing out a purr.

A deep trill came from Shadow’s own chest. An intimate response.

That snapped him out of whatever passive trance he’d fallen in. Shadow gasped through his nose and flinched away. His breath came fast, eyes wide and startled, caught somewhere between fight and flight, probably a bit alarmed by how blown Sonic’s pupils were. Before Sonic could speak, Shadow’s hand flicked upward, and the emerald materialized in his palm while he whispered those words that left him alone in the hangar.

Though Sonic’s feelings were a little singed, Shadow definitely kissed him back. That was more than enough to work with.

Sonic, in fact, did not think differently in a week. If anything, he felt off his rocker.

Shadow wouldn’t answer his texts or calls, and he was borderline harassing him with them. The snow had finally gotten to a reasonable point where he could leave the house, and he swore, as soon as he did, he’d track him down.

The sound Shadow made—his purr—played on repeat in the back of Sonic’s mind. All day. Every day. He craved his scent, too, reliving the moment he’d buried his nose in it, drowning in his imagination within his bedsheets.

Sonic couldn’t help it; he frequently pleasured himself to the memory, Shadow’s name on his lips. It was a plague that spread like wildfire. He’d just decided to kiss him, but that quickly devolved into detailed daydreams of having Shadow in any way he wanted. It devolved into practically living with his cock in hand like some frenzied teenager as he envisioned over and over what it’d look like for it to be in Shadow’s mouth, those gorgeous eyes pooling with tears. 

Shit. It’d been so long since someone infiltrated his mind like that. Damn him.

“God, I’m being pathetic,” he mumbled, stomach dirtied with his spend on the day an exact week from that night.

He’d had enough. Cleaning up and throwing on a scarf, hoodie, and jeans, he set off to the grocery store where he picked up some flowers, then found himself standing in front of GUN HQ. He’d texted Rouge to get his schedule. 

“Alright, Sonic,” he said to himself under his breath, “Just… just walk in there and do it. Give him the flowers, ask for a date, be a gentleman, and boom. You can smash. At… some point. Maybe.”

He was very aware of how farfetched that was, but he couldn’t yet bear a scenario where Shadow rejected him.

No need for introduction; Sonic asked the receptionist for directions to Shadow’s office and was on his way. The HQ always unnerved him. It was massive, sterile like a hospital, but emotionally and mentally draining like an office building. Fun.

The wooden door to Shadow’s office sounded thick when he rapped on it. In the middle of it was a golden plaque with his name etched into it, shiny enough for him to see his reflection.

Shadow’s deep voice granting him entry sent his heart into his stomach. The replica in his head was great, but nothing hit the same as the real deal. Butterflies swarmed behind his ribs before he could brace for them. He slipped inside, then shut the door behind him with a quiet click. His back met the wood, steadying him while the bouquet pressed awkwardly against his chest.

Shadow double took at him from his computer. “Sonic? What the hell are you doing here?”

A thousand thoughts collided in Sonic’s head, none of them helpful. Fuck, fuck, fuck. Shadow looked stupidly good with his white button-down, slacks hugging his hips just right, and sleeves rolled to the elbow like he’d just finished something important. Or like he was gearing up to turn Sonic’s life upside down.

The room was small, only holding a desk, a lounge chair, and a plastic plant in the far corner. The back wall was mostly window, the blinds drawn closed.

He stepped farther in, shoes scuffing against the thin, cheap carpet. “What’s the point in ghosting me? I know where to find you, asshole.”

Shadow glanced down to the bouquet. “Are those for me?”

“They are.” Sonic’s grip tightened on the stems. “I can’t stop thinking about you, man. Did I do something wrong?”

With a sigh, Shadow locked his computer and leaned back in his chair, arms folded across his chest. “No.”

Sonic unraveled his scarf, letting it fall across the back of a nearby chair. He crossed the room in a few quick strides and held the flowers out, not quite gently. The petals had wilted some in the cold.

“Here. Not that you deserve them after shunning me.”

Shadow took them and his thumb brushed over the tag as he examined it. “Grocery store flowers. Don’t I feel special.”

Sonic scoffed. “You trying to go on a date or what?”

“I’m not sure what about me ghosting you suggested I wanted a date.”

“Wasn’t that part, exactly. Mostly the part where our tongues were in each other’s mouths. You know, I thought I had a chance.”

“Fair.”

“No shit.”

“You’re not making your case well. Aren’t you supposed to be nice when you ask someone out?” He set the flowers on a filing cabinet next to his chair.

“You ignored me all week. I’m kinda miffed about it.”

“Took you a week to come find me.”

“Oh my God—”

The rage-bait worked well. Sonic had become beyond irritated while Shadow sat there with his annoying, self-righteous, gum chewing smirk. 

Sonic wondered where the sweet, shy Shadow he’d kissed a week ago went…

Slinking down his seat, legs spread and chin lazily propped in his hand, Shadow said, “Tell me. Why should I consider you as a mate?”

Sonic’s ears dipped low, heat crawling up his neck. Mate? Oh, fuck him. Since when could Shadow so easily slither under his skin? Sonic’s jaw tightened. Steeling his face, he nudged a stapler aside and leaned onto the desk, eyes locked down his snout. If that was how they were going to do this, fine.

“I could give you the best orgasm of your life.”

Shadow didn’t bite. He stayed maddeningly neutral, like he wasn’t just propositioned across his paperwork. He always had been a pro at keeping his cool when he had it. 

“Is that so?” Shadow murmured, voice flat, almost bored. “Any reasons that don’t involve getting into my pants?”

Sonic didn’t miss a beat. He’d rehearsed this. Hell, he’d obsessed over it all week. How could he be enough for someone like Shadow? He lifted a hand, ticking off fingers one by one.

“I’m funny. Cunning. A killer sous-chef—yeah, I know you like to cook. I’m fit, loyal, and I can be pretty damn romantic.”

Shadow’s brow lifted, just barely. “Pretty damn modest, too, huh?”

“You asked,” Sonic said with a shrug, lips quirking.

A pause. Then Shadow rolled his eyes.

“GUN’s throwing a ball this Friday. Be here. Dress well.”

Sonic’s tail flicked, betraying his satisfaction. “Yeah? I get to be your plus one?”

“As long as you don’t act a fool.” Shadow stood, walked to the door, and opened it with a wave toward the hallway. “Now get out. I’m busy.”

Sonic groaned but obeyed, dragging his feet. As he crossed the threshold, something snagged his sleeve. He turned.

Leaning in, Shadow pressed a warm, fleeting kiss to his cheek, then slammed the door shut without another word.

Sonic blinked, hand rising to touch the spot.

“I can’t believe you still don’t know how to do this,” Amy said, tightening his tie around his neck.

“You know me. I’m more of a shorts and tank kind of party goer. Balls aren’t a frequent thing for me.”

Amy hummed. “True.”

Sonic stood tense in between a couple clothing racks, shoulders shrugged while Amy fussed over him. He’d faired well for himself up to the tie portion, then had to run all the way to her shop for help. He didn’t completely mind. The shop had a way of soothing his nerves. Which he had a lot of right then.

The main storefront always smelt like candied apples and book creases. They had everything from random antiques to tarot cards and crystals. A bit of everything, really. One of Amy’s habits, addictions, “strategies”—whatever she wanted to call it—was attending estate auctions and bidding her heart out. Sonic and Blaze called it a type of gambling, but she vehemently denied it.

As Amy straightened out a few wrinkles in Sonic’s lapels, Blaze sauntered over, finished with her chat with a customer. She smoothed down her branded apron and pulled up the sleeves of her turtleneck. Her sharp, golden eyes took him in.

“You look clean,” she said smoothly, placing a hand on the small of Amy’s back when she stepped away to admire her work. “What’s the occasion?”

“I’m going to a military ball with Shads.”

Both Amy and Blaze’s ears perked. 

“With Shadow?” 

Sonic’s cheeks flushed, and he adjusted his collar to give his hands something to do. “Uh, yeah. We’ve been… talking. Kind of.”

Amy clasped her hands together with a big grin. “Talking talking?”

“Yes, Amy,” he sighed, already exasperated. “Don’t get too excited—it’s super new. The asshole ignored me for a week after we kissed.”

At first, Amy’s eyes lit up, but faded back down. “Oh, he didn’t tell you he smashed his phone?”

Sonic frowned. “Uh, no? Did he really?”

With a quick, bright laugh, Amy covered her mouth and said, “He did. He dropped it in the parking lot and ran it over. We chatted about it over lunch that day. Poor thing.”

“Why wouldn’t he tell me? Is he getting a new one?”

Amy shrugged. “Rouge bought him that one. I doubt he’ll bother.”

Blaze excused herself, asking Amy what she wanted from the coffee shop down the street. It was later in the day, but they claimed to have a long night ahead of seasonal merchandising.

After giving her order, Amy quickly caught Blaze’s sleeve before she left. “Remember, no—”

“Sugar—I know, dear.”

Amy kissed her cheek with thanks. When the door jingled with Blaze’s exit, Sonic rose a brow at her.

“I’m trying to cut back on a few things. Bloating issues,” she said with a frown.

“Hm. I’ve heard yogurt helps.”

“Yeah, I’ve been trying to get more probiotics in general.” She patted her stomach. “Vitamins and all that.”

“Gut health’s important. Coffee can be good black, I think.”

She nodded and glanced down at her watch. “Don’t you have somewhere to be, doctor?”

Sonic pulled out his phone and blanched. It was the time he said he’d arrive. 

“Shit. Okay, thanks, Ames,” Sonic said, kissing her forehead. “I’ll see ya later alright? Work on that gut biome for me.”

Amy laughed him off, smiling softly as his exit jingled their door bell even louder.

The venue made him nervous—its was tall and ominous, carved with intricate designs in the pillars. Passing through the gates, his attention locked on Shadow stationed like a statue at the ballroom’s entrance by himself. Arms folded, one boot angled out, and jaw tight. The overhead sconces casted a soft amber glow across the curve of his muzzle, catching the faint sheen on his uniform’s epaulets. If there wasn’t a risk of being shunned again, Sonic might’ve catcalled him. He strode up with his hands in his pockets.

“You’re late,” Shadow snipped.

“And you look incredible, damn,” Sonic said, circling him. “How fast you think I could get that uniform off you?”

It was some kind of GUN military garb. Very flattering in its grey color and snug fit against his lithe form.

Shadow didn’t move, but his nostrils flared. His fingers twitched against his bicep, resisting the urge to swat Sonic away.

“Don’t change the subject.”

“God forbid a man appreciates art.” Sonic leaned in, voice low and teasing. “It’s only five minutes, sweetheart, don’t sweat it.”

“I’m sweating it. I told the Commander you’d be here, he told everyone else, now they’re asking me where you are—just get inside. They’re driving me insane.” 

“The Commander? He’s still alive?”

Shadow stepped behind him and sternly guided him inside the massive gilded doors by the shoulders. And as mentioned, just about everyone in the ball room perked up at his arrival.

Conversations faltered. Heads turned. A ripple of recognition passed through the crowd. A subtle tightening rose in his chest from the way eyes clung to him. He forgot sometimes how loud his presence was. How his name still echoed in places he hadn’t stepped foot in for years or ever before.

People surged toward him. Smiles, handshakes, camera flashes. A waiter offered him a tray of tiny food-things on toothpicks. He waved it off but plucked two glasses of wine from a different guy, balancing them in one hand.

He lost Shadow in the mess.

The crowd pressed in. Sonic kept his grin in place, nodding, laughing, answering questions he barely heard. His shirt clung to his back, damp with sweat. He shifted his weight, scanning the room.

Then, Shadow appeared with a hand hooked on his elbow. No words, just a firm tug. People completely backed off under his glare. Sonic followed, grateful, excusing himself along the way.

He handed over the second glass. “Thanks, man. I owe you one.”

“Why don’t you ever remove yourself from those kinds of crowds?” Shadow asked, accepting it.

Sonic shrugged. “Don’t wanna come off callous. I get funding from the city for what I do. I’ve tried to reject it, but they insist. So… I let them keep my lights on when I’m actually home.” They rounded an intricate, circular dining table, and Sonic held the small of Shadow’s back as a few people squeezed past. “Also, I’m not a jerk.”

They slipped through a final crowd, into an alcove near the banquet tables.

Humming, Shadow swirled his glass and took a sip. “People know better than to approach me.”

Sonic chuckled. “Are you trying to get me to call you a jerk?”

Shadow rolled his eyes. “No. Just saying. I don’t have that issue.”

“I mean, you’re not Sonic the Hedgehog.”

“I’m not. But I am The Ultimate Lifeform,” Shadow said, voice dry. “Check yourself.”

Sonic presented his hands placatingly, his half empty glass dangerously tilted between two fingers. “I come in peace, your ultimate-ness. Just messaging around.”

“Well, tighten up. The Commander is headed our way.”

Without an ounce of discretion, Sonic whipped his head around to spot him. They made eye contact across the way and Sonic waved before trotting his way over.

“Aye, Big Abe, long time no see, sir.”

Abraham had aged significantly since he’d last seen him. Most of his hair had fallen away, and his eyes were sunken. But he still wore the uniform well. He held out an unsteady hand to shake when Sonic reached him.

“Sonic the Hedgehog. It has been a while. I’m glad you could make it. This ball could use a little life.”

“Party’s on, sir. How ya been?”

“Been better. But still kicking.” Abraham laughed, an almost cough. “I didn’t mean to annoy Shadow with my questioning of your whereabouts, but I want to speak about a small matter.”

“All ears.” 

Sonic crossed his arms and glanced around the ball room. Shadow had stuck behind, watching the wine in his glass swirl like it might whisk him away from the public. 

“It’s about Shadow, see… I’m old, Sonic. I’m counting my days at this point, and I’m trying to find someone I’d trust to be the next Commander.”

“And… you want Shadow to do that?”

“I think he’d be spectacular.”

“Okay, so… what’s the holdup?”

“He said no.”

“Sounds like that’s that, then.”

“You don’t think you could…” Abraham shuffled his feet, switching his cane to the other hand. “Warm him up to the idea?”

Sonic laughed. “With all due respect, sir, there’s no way. When Shadow makes a decision, it’s final. You should know that better than anyone.”

Abraham sighed. “Yes. I was afraid you’d say that.”

The dejected look on Abraham’s face softened Sonic’s tone. “I don’t want to speak for him, but being GUN Commander isn’t really Shadow’s speed. He’s more of a lone wolf type. Well, besides his team, but you get what I’m saying. You’re lucky he’s putting up with the desk you’ve got him at right now.”

“I know. Every day I walk past his room, I feel the tension rising. I was just hoping a director position would open his eyes to leadership.”

“Commander, people drive him crazy. The guy’s great at a lot of stuff, but I can’t say people are one of them.”

Rubbing his hand over his chin, Abraham nodded. “Right… thank you for your insight. He’s probably all upset about me bothering him with that, too.”

“Eh, don’t worry about it.”

“Well, thank you, Sonic. I suppose I’ll have to search for a successor elsewhere.”

They chatted a bit more and parted with grins. Sonic made his way back to Shadow, who had a hip jutted and his arms crossed with one held up, empty wine glass settled lazily between his fingers. He watched Sonic approach like he might lunge at him.

“You good, Shads?”

A soft blush bloomed across his muzzle. His head dipped in a small nod.

Sonic slid his glass away. “Got you, buddy. Refill comin’ up.”

In his typical fashion, Sonic may have drank too much through the stuffy award ceremony. In his defense, he was now burning it on the dance floor. And he’d been there for a good while. Something about getting people in uniforms to loosen up had pride curling his lips. It was possible he’d gotten to dance with everyone. 

Everyone except Shadow.

But every ten minutes or so, he’d make his way over to check on his wallflower to try out his influence. He knew better; he’d never be able to sway Shadow one way or another. Yet every time he asked, he got the slightest smile. And really, that had more of an impact on his cognition than the alcohol. Well, until he downed another glass.

After he was hot and sweaty, blazer having been tossed somewhere he’d already forgotten, he noticed Shadow was no longer in the corner observing him. The realization had Sonic freezing mid-motion, afraid he’d completely left. A group tried to pull him in for another round, but he excused himself.

He looked all over. In the bathroom, by the buffet table, outside the front entrance—nothing. Until he spotted stairs that led upward. Taking them two at a time, they put him on a balcony. Cold air mingled with his damp fur. Walking to the side and looking over, there was a garden. And down on the other end, he spotted Shadow leaning on the balcony ledge smoking a cigarette. He’d removed his uniform coat down to the white tank top still tucked in his slacks. 

“Damn, Shadow,” Sonic said, sauntering up with his hands in his pockets like he hadn’t been panicking. “Didn’t think you could get any hotter.”

Shadow rolled his eyes, but offered a glance. “Do you have to ruin my peace so soon?”

“Yeah, sorry. Date obligation. There’s this weird thing where you’re supposed to spend time with the person you’re on a date with.” Sonic made himself comfortable on the ledge next to him. “Is that for aesthetic or do you actually get something from it?”

Shadow sighed. “I like the burn in my throat and chest. The nicotine has little affect on me.” He hesitated, then snuffed the end of his cigarette against the concrete. “But I don’t like smoking around others.”

“I don’t mind.” 

“I do.”

Sonic pressed his mouth against his own shoulder and pretended he wasn’t admiring the lazy curve of Shadow’s back.

The night had thinned. Music from the ballroom pulsed faintly through the walls, muffled by distance and the hush of people’s exit. Sonic turned and leaned his back against the railing, tie undone, shirt rumpled and unbuttoned to his belly, and a half-empty flute of champagne dangling from his fingers.

“Uhm,” Shadow mumbled, gritty. “Thanks for backing up my decision.”

Sonic furrowed his brow. “You’re welcome…?”

“I’ve been trying to get Abraham off my back about taking lead for weeks. I don’t think he’d have listened to anyone but you.”

“Oh. No problem. Didn’t realize you could hear us.”

“I hear most things.”

“Right… why don’t you just tell him to screw off?”

“You don’t think I have?” Shadow scoffed. “In better words. The man is senile. We’ve been through a lot. Don’t want to treat him like that.”

Sonic tipped his head back and looked along the expanse of the building to where it connected to the roof with detailed trimming. That point sunk into the crevices of his mind, sparking an edgy, annoying acknowledgement of mortality.

Abruptly, Sonic grew antsy. His head tipped toward Shadow. “You wanna kiss again? Or something?”

“Or something? You still want to do that after I put you through a ball and didn’t even dance with you?”

“Shadow, I fully expected you to reject dancing. And I’d bang you here and now if you let me.”

A deep flush filled Shadow’s cheeks. He slowly stood straight and bled into Sonic’s personal space. 

“You want me that bad?”

It was Sonic’s turn to fluster. He hadn’t expected Shadow to continue that line of thought, considering how clumsy his own lack of sobriety made him. Those pools of brown nailed him in place. “You don’t know the half of it,” he muttered. “Like I said—I can’t stop thinking about you.”

Shadow hummed. He’d positioned himself by his side with his arms crossed until a hand dropped down to his pocket where he pulled out a crumpled cardboard pack.

“I stink,” he muttered, unwrapping a piece of gum and laying it across his tongue.

Cinnamon unfurled in the narrow air between them, sharp and sweet. Sonic watched the rhythmic flex of Shadow’s jaw as he chewed, each movement hypnotic, syncing with the clench in his own fist.

It was absurd; the chatter in Sonic’s head. Thoughts spiraled, placing Shadow under a magnifying glass, revealing to him every detail. The gleam of his teeth, the subtle tilt of his hip, and the way his presence filled space like dense fog. He wanted to hear that sound again, wanted to see how loud it could get or what other sounds might follow. He wondered if he was shy or confident enough to grant Sonic a view from below. How often would he want to switch?

And this was how he knew he was in deep—he wanted him to move in with him. To stay with him and banish the empty house’s settling creaks. He wanted to see his groggy eyes in the morning, to see their belongings mingling on shelves and the bathroom counter, to separate their laundry when their clothes had become almost indistinguishable from each other.

Sonic could see a life with him. It was ironic, because for as much as he wanted someone to run with him, Shadow made him want to slow down. God, he was weak. It’d only been two days more than a week.

Once pleased, Shadow took Sonic’s chin and pulled him into a kiss. Sonic inhaled sharply through his nose, the onslaught of cinnamon and cigarette smoke diving through his gut. The smoke part was admittedly not very nice, but the way it wove with the gum had a teasing edge to it. His fur prickled. His hand shot up to hold Shadow’s wrist while the other made sure his champagne wouldn’t fall off the ledge where he set it before it found purchase in Shadow’s belt.

Their exchange was as soft as the last. Lips melded with certainty. Tongues ground with intent. Shadow warmly accepted each of Sonic’s advances until they were both winded. 

Everything was amplified, if not by the alcohol, then by how hot they were against each other in the dead of winter. His fingers gathered the back of Shadow’s tank in a tight grip and pulled him closer, pressing their hips together. 

“Shadow, you’ve gotta be mine. I know I’m barreling through this, but fuck,” he muttered as he trailed his lips over his cheek, “Please, I—… I’m gonna fall so hard for you. Tell me I’m crazy like I care.”

Intense eyes dug into him when he leaned back, peeling off his skin and rummaging through his insides. He couldn’t understand how Shadow did that. How he read and dissected with such precision. 

Sonic blinked, then laughed too loud. The reality of what he’d said swung full force. “I mean, not to be dramatic. I’m horny and yapping. I’m having trouble reigning myself in because”— he inhaled sharply— “I may or may not be obsessed with what little I’ve seen of this side of you.”

“You’re drunk,” Shadow said, but his voice was softer than usual. Not scolding.

“And honest. That’s gotta count for something.”

Shadow tipped his head to the side. His hands that had been holding the ledge behind Sonic snuck around to slowly adjust a wrinkle from his shirt, then tease the puffy, excited fur on his chest. 

“Anyway, I had fun tonight,” Sonic murmured. 

“Hm. You kept your word.”

“My word about what?”

“Not acting a fool.”

Laughing, whatever sliver was left of Sonic’ guard crumpled. Thank God he didn’t consider Sonic hopping around the dance floor being a fool. His touch drifted down to gently hold Shadow’s tail. He relished in the shiver it elicited. Behaving this way with Shadow had his heart slamming and his tongue loose.

 “So, hypothetically, if I do fall… you gonna catch me?”

Air softly sifted through Shadow’s nose. “You’re leaning into soap territory, faker, get yourself together.” 

With a cheeky smile, Sonic said, “Oh, what would you know about soaps?”

“Never mind.” Shadow rolled his eyes and stretched his gum out to blow a tiny bubble that crisply snapped in the night air. “But if we’re doing hypotheticals… I suppose I could catch you.”

The massive thump his chest suffered knocked the wind from him. Sonic said on the end of a breath, “Cool.”

Shadow kissed him again, still slow and exploratory. Quills fraying, Sonic felt the rubbery texture of Shadow’s gum being deposited into his own mouth. Cinnamon seeped across his tastebuds.

“I’m sorry, sir, but Agent Shadow has requested no visitors today. You’ll need to make an appointment on our online portal.”

Sonic stared at her, dumbfounded. “Okay, I know I don’t need to ask if you know who I am—Stacy, c’mon. I’m here pretty often now. I’m not just a visitor.”

Stacy, the sweet deer receptionist Sonic had gotten to know over the past couple weeks, looked over at a sticky note hanging from the side of her computer monitor. She plucked it off and held it up for him to see. “Especially Sonic,” she said.

Shadow stated those exact terms in steady, cursive handwriting, underlining Sonic’s name three times.

“I ask as a friendly acquaintance,” she said with a cringe, “Please don’t get me in trouble.”

Great. How could he argue with that? Sonic groaned and walked in a small circle. “Fine,” he said, drawing it out. “You’re killin’ me, girlfriend.”

It perhaps could’ve said a lot about Sonic’s mental state when he decided to wait Shadow out. He swung by Tails and Cream’s place; nobody was home. He tried to visit Amy’s shop, but they had some sale going on that had the place packed and busy. 

Knuckles answered the door. They actually got to chat for a bit, but the baby soon started to fuss. He was on duty, apparently. Sonic didn’t necessarily feel like sticking around for that. 

So there he was, lounging in the lobby of GUN HQ, fiddling with his phone like a loser. It was his off season; a time where he was supposed to be relaxing and hanging with his friends. But none of them would cooperate. 

Shadow it was. Which, as it turned out, was pretty awesome. 

The lobby didn’t get a ton of traffic, so Sonic quickly got bored and began to chat with Stacy. She filled him in on office drama, and he recounted several of his heroic excursions. 

The sun had set by the time Shadow appeared. He froze in the doorway between the lobby and the hall to the offices when he spotted Sonic doing a pose, making Stacy laugh. His eyes flickered between them, then dug into where her hand rested on his left shoulder.

“This isn’t going to be a regular occurrence, is it?”

Sonic shrugged. “Haven’t decided yet.”

Rolling his eyes, Shadow sped past them and exited the building. Sonic followed as he threw finger guns at Stacy. She suppressed a giggle and waved him off.

It had gotten significantly colder. Sonic pulled his jacket tight over his hoodie. The flaps of Shadow’s blazer blew in the wind. He was more done up than usual. Black turtleneck and slacks. Dress shoes.

“Looking sharp today, buddy,” Sonic said, jogging to catch up.

Shadow glanced at him with disdain. “What’d you even do all day? Flirt with the receptionist?”

They walked across the front of the building to the parking garage.

“Why? You jealous? ‘Cause personally, I’d be more interested in Stacy’s mom.”

“Not funny.” Shadow reached his bike and turned to him, arms folded and disapproving.

“Tough crowd.” 

Someone down the way, a fan presumably, yelled a greeting to Sonic. He passively waved a hand at them with a smile, then immediately zoned back into Shadow. 

“What’s with taking away my privileges, anyway? I coulda just been with you.”

“I had important things to take care of. I don’t need you distracting me every five seconds.”

“What if I made a promise to leave you alone when you say to?”

“Could you actually do that?”

“Yeah! I mean, probably.” A wave of insecurity hit Sonic, and he stepped back. Stuffing his hands in his pockets, he cleared his throat. “We said we’d hang out, right? Sorry if I’m being overbearing or something. I’m excited is all.”

“Excited?” Shadow parroted, carefully stolid. “To see me?”

Sonic’s brow furrowed. “Duh? We’re cool. And we kiss sometimes. I was actually hoping we could do some smoochin’ tonight.”

Glancing away, Shadow’s grip tightened over his keys. “So you do just want me like that.”

“What? Of course not. Trust me, Shads, I’ve got hoards of people I could do this stuff with. I happen to really like you—shocker, I know. We gotta do another date before that clicks or something?”

“Wouldn’t hurt.”

A laugh bubbled out of Sonic. “Aw, are you asking me out?”

Shadow’s mouth opened, then closed, then opened again. “Yes. But you have to pick this time.”

“Oh, hell yeah.” Butterflies swarmed Sonic’s gut. “I’ve got just the spot. You’re free tonight, right?”

Shadow sighed, looking at his bike for a moment. “I guess so.”

Sonic had never truly been considered romantic. He’d definitely fibbed a little when telling Shadow that. Most of the people he dated typically gave him the same feedback—“I just feel like you’re not that into me.” Which, now looking back, was the truth. Then again, he always tried. But what he considered a good time and what other people considered a good time was different enough to leave one party unsatisfied. The thought he put into things didn’t always show in his outcomes. He really hoped he could avoid that with Shadow.

“You’re not dragging me through the woods to kill me, are you?”

“Why is that even a concern for you? Are you not ultimate?”

Way in the cliff tops on the edge of the city, Sonic dragged Shadow to the top. They’d stopped and gotten fast food—Shadow’s choice.

They stepped out onto the ledge, the city sprawling beneath them, lights blinking slow, buildings arranged in waves. The air was sharp, clean, and carried the faint hum of distant traffic. Sonic knelt and fussed with the blankets he’d stashed earlier, shaking off the frost that had settled along the edges. Behind him, Shadow stood still, his gaze sweeping the skyline.

“Pretty sweet, huh?” Sonic said.

“Why did you bring me here?”

Sonic grinned, tugging the blanket flat. “To push you off.”

Shadow gave him a look.

“Joking.” He laughed. “I mean, look at this. Is this view not gorgeous?”

“It is.”

“That’s why.” Sonic took the bags of food from him and set it on the blanket he’d spread out. “Almost as gorgeous as you, huh? Sit down and eat before it gets cold.”

Shadow lowered himself beside him, and Sonic draped the second blanket over their shoulders, tugging it snug around them. Their arms brushed.

They ate in a comfortable quiet. Sonic chewed slowly, switching between watching the steam rise from his sandwich and watching Shadow’s profile catch the glow of the city lights. When he finished, he balled up his wrapper and tossed it into the bag.

“Not the best winter activity, I’ll admit,” he said, teeth chattering. He huddled closer to Shadow with a sly smile and pulled the blanket tighter around them. “But there are benefits.”

Shadow rolled his eyes, swiped his tongue between his lip and teeth, and cleaned up his own trash. 

A knot rose in Sonic’s throat. They hadn’t kissed since the ball. He hadn’t tried. Neither had Shadow. The space between them stayed careful. But now, with the cold biting and the city glowing and Shadow so close he could feel his breath—

“Hey,” Sonic said. “I want to apologize. For anything I might’ve said while drunk. I wasn’t trying to upset you.”

“You mean like the fucking me ‘here and now’ comment? Or when you said you’d fall in love with me like a threat.” 

“Um.” Sonic twiddled his thumbs, face blazing. “Did those comments upset you?”

Shadow mulled about it just to make him anxious. “No. I didn’t take the things you drunkenly spilled to heart.”

“Good, good.” 

The conversation fizzled out. Sonic was sweating. This felt like the fumble of the century so far. To make it worse, his mouth opened again.

“So, you wanna make out?”

A weird spark of something entered Shadow’s eyes and left just as quick. “No,” he said. “We just ate.”

Sonic winced. Save it. Save it. Save it. He coughed into his fist. “Right. Yeah. What I totally meant to ask was—uh, read any good books lately?”

Shadow’s mouth twitched. It was enough. Tension melted away from Sonic’s shoulders.

Leaning back on a hand, Shadow gave a concise summary of the book he’d been working through. “But I don’t want to bore you with the details.”

“You won’t,” Sonic urged. “I’ll listen.”

Shadow hesitated, waiting for any sort of action that would indicate a joke. When he couldn’t find one, he began speaking about parts that didn’t sit right with him, then the ones that did. He complained about a specific chapter that made him feel like the author didn’t know what they were talking about while he showered praise on another. He spoke like the entire monologue had been playing on repeat in his head, eager for someone to ask. A full, in depth critique.

Sonic leaned forward, elbow resting on his knee, watching Shadow’s mouth move. It wasn’t that he’d ever thought Shadow was dumb, far from it, but he hadn’t expected this level of insight. Emotional intelligence. Contextual understanding. It was cute. And hot. And probably all book-smarts, because Shadow didn’t exactly practice what he preached.

Midway through his thought vomit, Shadow dug into his pocket and passively handed Sonic a piece of gum. Sonic took it, popped it into his mouth, and immediately regretted it.

That was some strong-ass gum. Cinnamon burnt the back of his throat, stung his sinuses, and caused him to tear up. His eyes squinted, and his snout shriveled while he tried to continue listening. It got better as he chewed, but that initial power was akin to a nuclear bomb.

Shadow didn’t pay him any mind. After a while, he held the fast food bag to Sonic’s chin. He didn’t hesitate to spit it out with a wet thunk and a sigh of relief. Shadow did the same, then fully turned to him.

“My opinions about it are all over the place,” he said, “but generally, I get what they’re saying here. The more you try not to think about something, the more you will think it. It’s an ineffective method for handling intrusive thoughts. You have to acknowledge them and move on lest you become trapped in that loop.”

Sonic pressed his lips into a line. “Uh, yeah… yeah, I thought that, too.”

Shadow stared at him for a beat, eyes flickering over him. Then, with a scoff, he grabbed the collar of his hoodie and kissed him.

It was explosive, a live wire from Sonic’s mouth to his stomach which burst at the seams. To his immense frustration, the details of kissing Shadow on the balcony were fuzzy. So, this was kind of rattling his world. Shadow kissed him, and he could think enough to memorize it. He melted into it, heart beating like a drum line, fingers curling into Shadow’s sleeve.

When they pulled away, Shadow stayed close, eyes lidded, voice low.

“You’re such an idiot.”

“Sorry,” Sonic said, licking his lips. They tingled. “I promise I was listening.”

“I didn’t say you weren’t.”

Sonic’s brain felt jumbled. Chaotic. What the hell was Shadow doing to him? He couldn’t catch his breath. 

“I wish you could talk and kiss me at the same time, ‘cause I love listening to your voice, but holy shit do I wanna—”

Shadow kissed him again, deeper. His arms settled over Sonic’s shoulders and tugged him in. A shaky sigh fell from Sonic’s nose as his hands found Shadow’s waist.

Why did he feel so skittish? His heart beat thundered; his breath hitched when Shadow licked into his mouth. Maybe part of him hadn’t expected Shadow to be so into this—into the physical possibilities of them “hanging out”. Or the physical possibilities of Sonic in general.

He shifted carefully, rising to his knees. The blanket rustled beneath them. Sonic scooted forward with his knees spread until his thighs were nestled under Shadow’s, then pulled Shadow into his lap, hugging him against his chest, never leaving his mouth.

Everything moved in slow motion. Lips brushed and melded. Tongues touched and searched. Teeth grazed. Sonic groaned low in his throat, the sound muted between them as he tilted his head, chasing the fire, tasting everything Shadow allowed him to. His hands fisted Shadow’s sweater on opposite sides of his back underneath the blazer. 

Pushing his weight back, Shadow nuzzled and rubbed at Sonic’s left shoulder with his cheek as they hit the ground. Sonic caught himself with a hand between Shadow’s quills which plumed under them.

“I like kissing you,” Shadow said across breaths, taking handfuls of the blanket around them and using it to pull Sonic in closer.

Sonic held the collar of Shadow’s turtleneck down, lips tracing a slow path to his collarbone. He kissed there, once, twice, then whispered against fur, “You drive me insane.”

Shadow’s smirk was apparent in his voice. “Good.”

The urge to press their hips together wound through Sonic, unbearably sharp. Shadow had leisurely wrapped his legs around him and held him close enough that he could do so with ease. Sonic’s hand drifted—chest, to waist, to thigh. He squeezed the muscle there, all warm strength, then swallowed.

A wave of consciousness passed through him after setting his weight between Shadow’s thighs. The pleasure of being with him like this was thick and dizzying. But he couldn’t help the shame crawling up his throat.

Shadow enjoyed talking to him, telling him about his book. And there Sonic was thinking with his dick. Wanting more. Wanting too much.

Those thoughts formed a ball of anxious fear in his throat. He pressed his forehead into Shadow’s shoulder and curled up around him. “I’m sorry—I swear I’m not always like this. I want to talk to you, I do. You’re really special to me, and I don’t wanna screw this up.”

“Wh-? Sonic, what are you talking about? I kissed you.” He was just as winded.

“I know, but you’re gettin’ to me real fast.” Sonic looked up and rested his chin along Shadow’s sternum. “You’re too hot. We’ve gotta redirect before I pop a boner.”

A deep, warm chuckle vibrated through Shadow’s chest. “So you’d rather hear me talk about more books?”

“Please. Anything you want to talk to me about, I’ll listen.” Sonic sat up to say more, but stopped in his tracks.

The sight of Shadow under him made his heart race. Those well-groomed quills splayed out around his head, his flushed face, poofed, excited fur, and brown eyes big and glassy, portals to a different world. 

I’m so fucked, he thought.

Slowly, he lay right back where he was. “Please.”

Shadow set his head down and looked at the light-polluted sky. “No preference?”

“No.”

So, Shadow talked. For how long, Sonic couldn’t discern. But he dozed in his arms several times before Shadow tapped his nose.

“You’re going to get sick if we stay out here too long,” he said, running his thumb up the curve of his snout.

Sonic hummed. “Warp me home?”

“Needy bastard.”

They fell into a rhythm that filled Sonic’s days, colored his downtime, and made the hours between visits feel longer than they should.

Shadow didn’t only tolerate his attention, he lit up under it. Which was, admittedly, odd to see. It was apparent in the way his eyes sparked when the door creaked open, and in his real, unguarded laugh that broke through much more often. 

Food, he learned, was a weird subject for Shadow. He needed it, but not a lot of it. Supposedly, he’d gone six months without eating once. 

Sonic didn’t like that at all. 

Even if he didn’t crave it, food was more than fuel or something to cook for someone else. It was comfort and a way to connect with people; an excuse to share space. In an effort to convey those points, Sonic showed up at the office daily with enough for both of them. He’d knock on his door once, then walk in with a grin and a paper bag. “Lunch time,” he’d announce. Some days it was met with a sigh and a glare, but Shadow never truly got angry at him for it.

As they did more together, they made out way more than Sonic anticipated. The back row of the movie theater where the screen flickered against their fur. The stuffy quiet of Shadow’s office where Sonic would spin the wheeled chair and end up with him straddling his lap. Even against frost-bitten trees after uphill treks, breath fogging between them.

They were feeling real. Especially when Shadow began frequenting his home.

They got off work one day and instead of separating after the evening’s activity, Shadow asked if he could come over. Then did that every time after. The degree of happiness that question gave Sonic made him think a little more about what he and Shadow were becoming. Not too hard, though. Neither of them cared much for labels.

They hadn’t gotten any kind of physical at the house, yet. Somehow, it became more of a haven where they could just talk and vent to each other that wasn’t out in the cold. Sonic was left aching some days, sure, but he wouldn’t trade Shadow’s laugh for anything. There weren’t many things that could beat being curled up on the couch with Shadow and a peppermint schnapps potent hot chocolate, hushedly gossiping like suburban mothers about everyone they knew.

Then came the day Abraham chose his successor.

Sonic had overslept. Groggy and entangled in the comforter he’d dragged with him, he poured a bowl of cereal and sat on the couch, trying to blink away the harsh evening sun. He threw on a show he’d been working on lately. Only ten minutes into the episode, his front door slammed open. Shadow burst into the house eyes blazing, shoulders tense, and mouth moving before Sonic could get a word in.

“I knew it,” he snapped. “I knew he’d pick someone spineless.”

Sonic blinked, only halfway through his cereal. He watched Shadow pace, shoes thudding against the floor and hands gesturing wildly as he launched into a rant about legacy, betrayal, about the ARK and everything Abraham had failed to understand.

“I thought you didn’t want the position,” Sonic croaked, feet propped up on the ottoman, trying to continue his show and eat and listen at the same time.

“I don’t, but would it kill you to listen to me? He gave it to fucking Jerry.”

“Oof, not Jerry.” He had no idea who that was. Sonic muted the TV with a sigh, tossing the remote aside. “I’m listening, babe. Promise.”

“Prove it.”

Rubbing crust from his eyes, he sighed. “You’re upset because you’re guilty about saying no to Abe. So you’re going to be unsatisfied with anyone he picks.”

A blush rose to Shadow’s cheeks. His entire attitude deflated. “That’s not what I said.”

“Sorry.” Sonic shrugged. “Just reading between the lines a bit.”

“You’re insufferable.”

“Aw, thanks. Ya know, I’m glad we can be honest with each other like this.”

Shadow stood still, arms crossed and gaze stuck to the floor. Softly, he said, “He looked so proud when he asked me. Like he’d been waiting years to do it.”

“Well, you meant it, right? Your answer?”

Shadow nodded. “Yes. I don’t want to be tethered like that. I come and go as I please. You and I are similar in that way.”

“You right.”

“Yet when I gave him my answer… when I saw his face…” Shadow’s fists clenched. “It felt like I’d let him down. Like I’d taken something from him.”

“Nah,” Sonic said. “You gave him honesty. I think that shows more respect than anything else. And just, in general, you don’t owe anybody anything. Ever.”

“But I feel like I failed him—”

“There was nothing to fail, dude. Let up.” Sonic stood with his hands on his knees and a grunt, then paced over to hold him by the shoulders. “Just because you care doesn’t mean you’re in debt, alright? I get you guys are tight, but you’ve gotta look out for your own, too.”

Shadow chewed his lip. A shaky exhale sifted through his nose. “I hate that you’re good at this.”

Sonic smiled, crooked and fond. “I know. I’m so insufferable, aren’t I?”

Looking him up and down, Shadow wiped the corners of his lips to prevent a grin. “Where have you even been all day? You look ridiculous.”

“Sleeping. So, please. Come watch this show with me and shut up for a while, yeah?”

Since that day, Shadow had seemingly decided it was his duty to burrow into Sonic’s skin and never leave.

Which was fine with Sonic, because he’d become an addict. His hands wandered often, tracing Shadow’s back beneath his shirt, memorizing how his tail twitched when he was flustered. He loved those small, involuntary reactions. The way Shadow’s body so clearly communicated thrilled him to no end.

But Sonic had suspicions he was trying to hint at wanting more than their little make out sessions. While he kept things decent, Shadow was the one who kept poking. Testing. Seeing if he could get Sonic to snap.

In the movie theatre, Shadow sat as close as possible, having raised the arm between them, and had a hand on Sonic‘s thigh the entire time. If it ended there, it wouldn’t have been notable. But when they weren’t kissing, his touch would creep up and his pinky would span out, brushing his crotch. How in the world was he even supposed to respond to that?

‘I don’t play games’ my ass, Sonic thought while taking tiny steps out of the theatre with a massive boner in his pants.

He had to remind himself—this was Shadow. They knew each other already. Tiptoeing was unnecessary, and judging by Shadow’s actions, a waste of time. So, if he wanted to play, Sonic would play harder.

Their petting first escalated in Shadow’s office. They’d finished lunch, returning from the GUN cafeteria, and Sonic had done his due diligence to chew that heinous gum after.

The desk chair creaked under Sonic’s weight when he flopped into it.

“I have to do a few things,” Shadow said with a growl. “Go sit there.” He gestured at the lounge chair across from the desk.

Sonic sank down, legs spread as he leisurely spun side to side. “That’s no fun.” He patted his lap. “Got a seat for ya right here, baby.”

“You’re such a nuisance—the faster you get out of my way, the faster we get out of here. You’re not great at keeping that promise you made.”

“Hey, c’mon now.” Sonic’s voice was low, persuading in a way he knew would cause Shadow’s ear to flick. He leaned forward and snagged his belt loop. “You technically have twenty minutes left of your lunch. Gimme, like… five of them. Wanna kiss you.”

Shadow sighed, rolled his eyes, and did all the huffy puffy things he did when he was about to give in. He let Sonic guide him onto his lap and settled his weight over his thighs. Five minutes bled into ten, then into twenty. Time tended to unravel between them.

Hands moving with purpose, trying to squeeze in as much as possible, Sonic unfastened Shadow’s shirt while his lips teased down his neck. Fingers skimmed fur, brushing down over a nipple, then pausing as he found another. And another. There were two columns of three down Shadow’s abdomen.

“Oh…” Sonic murmured, thumbing fur aside to get a look. “You’ve got extras.”

Mobians had evolved out of extra nipples forever ago, so he wondered just how much Black Arms DNA played into his biology. 

Shadow’s eyes were hazy, body leaning into Sonic’s touch. The flush in his cheeks and the forward tilt of his hips said more than anything he could’ve tried to utter. 

Maybe Sonic was a bit of an ass for feeling accomplished, like he’d successfully paid back the teasing. But he also didn’t plan on stopping.

Grip firm on Shadow’s waist, Sonic eased him back into a lean, angling for leverage. Then he dipped down, lips brushing the middle row before catching a bud gently between his teeth.

Shadow gasped, “Sonic.”

That single breath of his name lit a fuse. Sonic pressed on, lapping, kissing, biting, coaxing out every whine and sigh he could get until Shadow puddled in his lap. Short, needy sighs grew faster, and Shadow started winding his hips, causing some friction against Sonic’s clothed erection.

A low moan vibrated through Sonic’s throat. He wasn’t about to let that slide. He smacked his heels against the chair’s wheel locks and put a death grip over Shadow’s hips, guiding him down against himself again and again. They sighed, eyes locked on each other, pupils large and wanting. Shadow’s hands were splayed out over Sonic’s cheeks, a thumb playing across his bottom teeth while the other pet under his eye.

Something felt…different. Sonic looked down to where they met, noticing how pliant it was where Shadow concentrated the friction. There was a dip between firm and soft that he was aiming for.

“Ya need somethin’ a lil’ more specific?” Sonic asked, setting his snout within Shadow’s chest fur, voice deep and words lazy as he snuck a glove off. He tried a hand down across the front of Shadow’s pants and plucked at the button. “I can go all slow-like if ya need.”

A shiver coursed through Shadow, fur standing and quills fraying. Sonic took his hasty nod as an urgent go and plucked the button again, hard enough to undo it. The zipper’s tear pierced the room.

Strong hands held the chair’s armrests as Sonic felt down into heated underwear, finding hardware he’d not been expecting. Shadow welcomed him with a stupefying whimper, letting his palm pet against a slithery limb. The limb, Shadow’s dick, he realized, squirmed and clung to his wrist. It was smooth and wet, notable in girth, modest in length. It tapered to a dull point. A tentacle of sorts. Additionally, the tips of Sonic’s fingers met moisture, so, to confirm his suspicion, he felt down farther and ended up along a flooded cunt.

Alright, he’d experienced weirder. This was nothing. White, pulsing splinters still danced across his gut, if that was any indication of how ‘nothing’ it was.

“Full’a surprises,” Sonic breathed into Shadow’s shoulder, tense and shaky. “God, you’re soaked.” 

He traced a finger up and down his slit, cautiously, slowly working it between the lips. From what he could feel, Shadow’s cock was positioned like a large clitoris. Right at the base of it, between the very top of his folds, was where he found the spot he’d been trying to grind. Sonic massaged there with two fingers over the shallow bump and received a breathless whine from the mouth by his ear.

“‘M honored, really. ‘You want me that bad?’” Sonic said in a deep, mocking voice, “—you asked me that. How could you tease me when you’re feenin’ for my cock, huh? You’ve been real uncouth lately, you know that? Touchin’ me in the theatre like some rowdy high schooler. You’d let me fuck you in this chair right now, wouldn’t you?”

Shadow’s snout shriveled.

“Yeah, you like that word? I had to look that up ‘cause of the way you been actin’.”

Cock tightening over Sonic’s wrist, Shadow bit his collar in an effort to reel himself in. “Will you shut up?” He hissed.

A knock on the office door shattered their bubble. They scrambled. Sonic had to wedge himself beneath the desk like a guilty secret, but as he was down there and a conversation ensued over his head, he was met with the results of his exploration: Shadow had both. 

Still flushed and restless after the interrupter left, Sonic lingered on his knees between Shadow’s legs, fingers already toying with his zipper again. He wanted to see more; he was eager to touch, to taste, to pick up where they’d left off.

But Shadow waved him off with a cool flick of his hand. “I have work,” he said, final.

Sonic groaned and plopped back onto his bottom. “You’re such a tease,” he muttered, watching Shadow cross his legs.

Point one Sonic, at least.

The news came way sooner than anyone expected. 

Sonic had been gushing about Shadow. He, Tails, and Cream were gathered around the dining table, half-eaten snacks between them, conversation easy. His grin hadn’t faded once.

“I’m glad you could find that in Shadow, bro. Was starting to think you’d lose your mind soon,” Tails said with a laugh.

“Believe me, it was on its way out,” Sonic muttered into his glass of soda. “I’m looking forward to getting out of here with him when it warms up.”

“That’s sweet,” Cream cooed. Half her attention was on knitting a blanket for Rouge’s baby. “I know we’ve all kind of enveloped ourselves in our own worlds, but you do mean a lot to us. You know that?”

“Yeah. Appreciated, really.” Sonic blushed. “I can’t expect you all to be at my beck and call, though. You do have your lives and… I have to be okay with living mine. Well, my life outside of world-ending bullshit.”

Tails nodded. “Power to you. You’ve come a long way, Sonic. Like you’ve always said to me, your future looks bright.”

“Stop, you’re gonna make me cry, little bro.” 

Curious about the word on a project Tails was helping the city with, Cream clicked on the miniature television on the counter. There was supposed to be a whole segment for it, but breaking news flashed on the screen.

Abraham Tower found dead at eighty-nine.

The three of them deflated while watching the report. Natural causes. At home in bed. Sonic scrubbed a hand across his chin. 

He and Abraham hadn’t been close in those final years. Yet the loss still settled as an ache in his chest. And just as he realized the effect of the news beyond himself, Tails spoke it.

“You should probably check on Shadow. They were close, right?”

“Yeah... Thanks for lunch, guys.”

Quickly, Sonic realized he could only find Shadow easily before because he was allowing himself to be found. After checking every single place they’d seen each other, including his office and apartment, Sonic relented and began asking around.

Stacy had to be firm with him. Shadow said he’d be out until further notice for bereavement. No extra details were allowed.

The pause Rouge answered his call with said more than her words.

“I think you should leave him be for a while, babe,” she said as gently as she could over a crying baby. “And if you do see him soon, just know he won’t immediately be himself. Grief does a number on him.”

It seemed the best option was to wait him out. Not what Sonic wanted to do in the slightest. Partly because his ego had been bruised by Shadow choosing not to seek him out. He thought he might come to him or want comfort from him. Might want him in his time of need.

He tried not to take it personally. People grieve differently. He knew that.

So, he waited. 

Four days passed within a thick fog. Unremarkable and nerve wracking without knowing where he was or what he was thinking. That bastard hadn’t gotten a new phone, yet.

Bored and a little depressed, he ended up at Amy’s shop, asking to work a shift.

“I appreciate it, Sonic, but I don’t think we have it in the budget to pay anyone extra right now.”

“Ames, please—when have I ever asked for money? I want to get my mind off Shadow right now. That’s it.”

Amy’s emerald eyes gave him sympathy. “Alright. You know where the aprons are.”

It was exactly what he needed. Sweet people coming by, making small talk, expressing interest in the most mundane antiques. Sonic liked wandering the store. It was deceptively large and separated into chunks of spiritual trinkets, furniture, and art deco paintings that looked older than himself.

On his sixth round of the day, something small on a corner shelf caught his eye. He moseyed over to it and bent down at the waist to get a good look.

It was a rose quartz elephant. He wasn’t sure what about it stole his attention. The thing was only the size of his palm. He picked it up and held it to the sunlight streaming in from the window.

“Interested?”

Sonic flinched, then laughed. “Silent but deadly—you need a damn bell.”

Blaze chuckled with him. She wasn’t in the storefront that often, opting to do most of the cleaning and repair service they offered.

“What made you leave your lair?” Sonic said, setting the elephant down.

“I need air, too. The cleaning solutions start getting to me,” she said. “Anyway—were you interested in that crystal? I can tell you about it.”

“Oh, nah. Don’t worry about it. Was just poking around.”

With a hum, she picked the crystal back up and set it upright in her palm. “Too bad. Listen up.” She cleared her throat. “Rose Quartz stands for unconditional love. It has a spiritual connection with emotional healing, self-love, and heart chakra activation. The elephant is resilience and wisdom. Emotional grounding.”

Sonic nodded, staring at the figure in her hand.

“The combination of these makes for a good piece in a home that may be in emotional turmoil. You can also point it toward your front door for incoming luck and love.”

She balled it in her fist and held it out to drop into Sonic’s cupped hands.

“Keep it.”

“What? No, I couldn’t—”

“Put it in your pocket.”

“Okay, okay.”

“Amy told me Shadow is battling grief. I think it’s love that brought your attention to the elephant.”

Blaze didn’t have much else to say after that and excused herself to the back. Once she was gone, Sonic made his way to the front where he pulled the elephant back out.

Emotional healing…

He left for the day with higher hopes and a wallet twenty dollars lighter.

Abraham’s funeral arrived, gross in its grandeur. The city went overboard. Sonic didn’t typically do funerals—definitely not ones for prominent figures. He hated the stiffness and sniffles of grief in rows and rows in addition to the attention he often garnered. But he shoved himself into a suit again anyway, tugged his collar straight, and showed up. Just in case.

After the main ceremony and the run to the burial site, Sonic stood near the back while the casket was lowered into the ground and scanned every face that passed. Nothing. He hadn’t come. Sonic wasn’t sure if he should’ve been surprised or not.

Still, something in his gut told him not to leave. A few people paused to speak with him before their departure, soft words and shoulder squeezes, but Sonic hardly registered them. When the last mourner drifted off and the cemetery emptied, Sonic settled onto a nearby bench underneath a tree, watching the wind tease the petals sat above Abraham’s grave. 

Once the sun had fallen deep into its retirement and not a soul remained, finally, a flicker of light shimmered in front of the grave. A figure stood where it hadn’t before, shoulders hunched, head bowed.

Sonic’s breath caught. Shadow’s name hovered on the edge of his tongue, but he bit it back. 

He continued to wait until the silence felt less like distance and more like an invitation. Twenty minutes. Shadow had to have sensed his presence.

“I don’t—” Sonic started, voice too thin, so he cleared his throat and tried again. “I don’t mean to impose—”

“I’d rather you did.” Shadow said, still fixed on the grave.

Sonic stepped beside him, mirroring his posture, hands tucked into his pockets. Shadow hadn’t dressed for the occasion, only wearing a hoodie and jeans, like he’d wandered in from another world. Prior, Sonic would’ve said he didn’t own a hoodie.

They didn’t speak at first. Sonic didn’t know if Shadow planned to, and he didn’t push. He reached into his own pocket and pulled out the box that had been weighing him down all day.

“Here,” he said, holding it out.

Shadow took it and turned it over in his hand. “A phone?”

“Yeah. So I can actually call your sorry ass when you disappear. You don’t have to answer me, but a text letting me know you’re okay would help me out. I care about you.”

Shadow stared at the box, his grip over it growing tighter. When he lifted his gaze, Sonic caught his raw, bloodshot eyes. The sight hit him like a punch to the chest.

Before he could say anything, Shadow’s hand found his shoulder. The world blinked out, swallowed by black.

Sonic stumbled backward, landing on something soft. A click lit the room in a dull, yellow glow. Vaguely familiar walls. Shadow’s bedroom. His bed.

Propped up on his elbows, Sonic groaned. “Dude, you know I hate when you do that.” 

Shadow was undressing with quiet precision in front of him, each movement stripped of ceremony. The hoodie came off in one clean sweep, flung toward the foot of the bed without a glance. Gloves, shoes, rings; all discarded in muted clinks and soft thuds. Then the jeans, tugged down, kicked aside.

Bare but for his briefs, Shadow crawled toward him.

Sonic tried for levity, voice light. “This is one hell of a thank you—hey, are you alr—”

Holding Sonic’s face with both hands, Shadow kissed him.

It landed hard, a mess of emotions spraying from it.

Sonic’s breath hitched. He fell back into the sheets and took hold of Shadow’s thighs, trying to anchor himself, but the kiss was relentless, urgent, and consuming. Shadow’s tongue pressed deep, tasting of cigarettes and nothing else. No cinnamon. No gum. No buffer.

Chilled finger pads trailed down Sonic’s neck to his chest where they squeezed his pecs. Shadow hummed into his mouth, then bunched the shirt in his grip, pulling and tearing a few buttons off in the process.

Sonic grunted and said, “Baby, you—” But a palm quickly slipped down to cup him over his slacks.  “Oh-oKay—”

Shadow kneaded his pouch with insistence, and bouts of pleasure wound through Sonic’s body. He couldn’t completely relax, though. The timing wasn’t right—Shadow just holed himself away for days. His eyes were bloodshot and everything.

“Hey, talk to me, Shadow.” 

“Sonic,” he sighed, then undid Sonic’s trousers with shaky fingers to roughly pull them down in the same swoop as his underwear. With Sonic’s forming bulge out in the open, Shadow clumsily removed his own last article of clothing. He slid back up his body, pressed his wet heat against Sonic’s pouch and leaned in close to his ear. “I want you.”

“Hah—oh my God.”

The world spun. Forming thoughts became near impossible with Shadow now grinding on him, ruffling his fur with slick. He’d dreamt of this most nights since their first kiss. Shadow slowly rolling his hips with the pressure of his weight. Soft, airy moans in his ear. He could feel how excited he was, cunt puffy and dripping, cock searching for something to grab. It turned Sonic on so bad he could cry. His dick had already begun to emerge.

It would’ve taken nothing. Only a slip in restraint. His body responded exceptionally well under him, heat pooling, blood surging with want from the moment his hands were on him. He’d have been harder than diamond soon, and every nerve buzzed with the ache to offer Shadow what he was asking for. What he needed.

But his mind couldn’t follow. This was wrong. This should’ve felt electric like every other time they’d gotten close. Instead, it was fragile. Sour. When Shadow finally sat back, Sonic’s gaze flicked upward, and the lamplight caught moisture glinting in his eyes.

The sight sent acid down his sternum.

He shook his head and gripped Shadow’s hips with both hands, fingers digging into skin. Every muscle strained against the pull, wringing out every drop of self-control as he held him still. He dragged him up away from his crotch.

“I don’t think you’re in the right headspace for this, man,” Sonic said, out of breath.

“You want to fuck me.” One of Shadow’s hands shot up to thread through his own chest fur, self-soothing. “You’ve told me. I’m wet—just do it.”

“I can’t—”

“Don’t make me beg for it,” he snapped, yet winced and immediately relented, words cracking. “Ple-ase. Please, fill me. I don’t—” His voice trembled— “I don’t want to feel like this anymore.”

Shadow folded into him again, face pressed tight against the curve of Sonic’s neck. His breath came in stutters and tears fell through the fur just above Sonic’s collarbone. Sonic cradled him, and a silent sob followed.

“Oh, Shads,” he murmured.

Shadow’s fingers curled into his shirt. “Please make me think about something else,” he whispered.

Heart clenching, Sonic sighed. “No can do, sweetheart. Not like this.”

Shadow didn’t argue again. He went limp, body heavy and shaking. The tremors came in waves with shoulders hitching and breath catching. Sonic gathered him close, holding him like he could keep him together by will alone.

Shadow cried until the room shifted into morning twilight. Sonic had adjusted their clothes at some point, removing most of his own, and pulled the comforter over them both. For how exhausted Shadow looked, he never fell asleep. His eyes stayed open, unfocused, rimmed red and glassy. Sonic willed himself to stay awake with him.

When Shadow spoke, it was barely audible, words having to claw their way out.

“I didn’t think it’d hit me this hard.”

Sonic reached beneath the blanket until his fingers found Shadow’s. He gave them a gentle squeeze.

“It feels like… there’s nothing left of me.”

“Yet, you’re right here,” Sonic said, voice croaking.

“Abraham was my last connection to the ARK. To Maria.”

“These things aren’t physical, Shadow.” His thumb drifted across his fur. “That’s your past. It’s always going to be connected to you.”

Warm breath stirred his cheek fur as Shadow nudged his nose there, a soft acknowledgement.

Sonic couldn’t keep the question at bay. He whispered, “Move in with me, hm?”

Shadow blinked. “You just don’t want to be alone.”

The accusation in his tone was heard, but ignored. “Neither do you, right? Seems everything is aligned.” When he didn’t get a response, he said, “Shadow, something about being alone with you feels more like home than anything I’ve experience in a while.”

Shadow pet across his tan chest, watching the fur bend under his hand then snap back.

“Okay.”

Sonic’s heart soared. Then he remembered the other present in his pockets. “Oh, here—” he leaned over the side of the bed to reach for his pants and pull out the rose quartz elephant. Placing it in Shadow’s hand, he recited all the points Blaze had given him. “So, I thought you might like it. Or, ya know, if any of this crystal mumbo jumbo is real, then you could benefit.”

Shadow rolled it in his hand, running his finger pads over the smooth surface. “Thank you,” he whispered. Leaning up to peck Sonic on the lips, he then urged him back down to the pillows where he curled up against him, the figure held to his chest.

Shadow moved in the next day. 

It didn’t take much. He had minimal belongings. The apartment had been pre-furnished when he moved in with Rouge, and even after all those years, he could fit his existence into a few boxes and a duffel bag. Though, when Sonic was helping him pack, he found something that had him struggling to hold his composure.

“Oh, um. Damn.” He snorted as he snapped the cap back on a small box that housed a cobalt glass dildo. Not something he expected his nosiness to take him to. He carried it out of the closet with him. “Shads, I honestly didn’t take you for that kinda guy.”

As soon as Shadow’s eye caught what was in his hands, his ears flattened and his pupils shrank. A furious blush filled his face. He stomped over and snatched it away. “I don’t want to hear it,” he said through his teeth.

“Aw, you don’t have to be embarrassed. Hope my junk’ll be enough for you, though. That’s kinda—”

“Zip. It.”

When word got out about the move, their friends were ecstatic. Each of them called, eager to celebrate. Plans for a housewarming party sprang up instantly, full of good intentions and chaotic energy.

But Sonic was hesitant to sign Shadow up for that. He knew he wasn’t ready for that kind of spotlight yet. The move had been quiet for a reason. Abraham’s death was still fresh, and Sonic didn’t want to rush him into a party before he’d had a chance to breathe.

So he gently declined the party offers, promising they’d do something later.

In the meantime, the adjustment to living together was interesting, to say the least. Shadow was painfully particular.

Every day, he woke up with the sun, right as it cracked over the horizon. His mornings consisted of brushing his teeth twice, checking the weather, and brewing a pot of coffee. Then he’d have his morning cigarette on the porch with a book and drink until an exact centimeter layer of coffee remained at the bottom of his mug, because by that point it was “old”. 

There were so many things Sonic hadn’t known about the way Shadow operated. The saying was true: you don’t really know someone until you live with them.

“Don’t put those there.”

Sonic glanced down at the vase of cooking utensils in his hands. They were all from the apartment and quite fancy looking. “What? I’m putting them next to the stove.”

“Put them in that corner.” Shadow gestured at the counter space nowhere near the stove.

“They’re for cooking, dude. On the stove. I’m putting them here.”

Shadow growled. “Nothing should go next to the stove. It’ll get grease on it.”

“Grease?” Sonic said, exasperated. “I’m not a messy cook. I’m sure you aren’t either.”

“Doesn’t matter—the particles land on things and mix with dust. I hate that texture. It gets everywhere.”

“Fine, goddamn.” He placed the vase where Shadow wanted with a hard eye roll. “There, princess, you happy?”

Shadow continued sifting through the box in his lap. “Yes, thank you.”

The same predicament happened in the bathroom with their toothbrushes. They both had caps on them, but Shadow demanded his be kept in the drawer.

“Oh, let me guess—particles.”

“Yes.”

Shadow wanted structure right now. Sonic understood that, even when it meant biting his tongue when he organized the spice rack for the fourth time.

But the final straw before Sonic had to call the Shadow committee was when he got to know his nightly routine. He’d brush his teeth for six minutes, then every single lock had to be checked two times while every light had to be flicked on and off four times. In itself, it was harmless. Sonic was pretty whatever about it until he asked why and Shadow said he did it to keep everyone he knows from dying a horrific death.

“Rouge, is he, like—… okay?” Sonic whispered into his phone tucked against his shoulder. He’d stepped outside and didn’t want Shadow to hear his plea for help.

“He’s fine.” Rouge laughed. “I’ve told him so many times to see a psychiatrist, but he refuses. There’s no way the Ultimate Lifeform has mental health issues.”

“He’s obviously riddled with PTSD, though…”

“I know, I know. Just let him run his routines and everything will be fine. Nothing he does is absurdly unreasonable.” She paused. “Except, don’t let him stay in the bathroom too long after a shower. He gets weird about his fur.”

“Got it… it doesn’t bother you that I call you about him, does it? ‘Cause I have a feeling you’ll be hearing a lot more from me.”

“No, hon, I get it. I lived with the guy for almost ten years. He’s quirky,” she said fondly.

“Yeah, quirky.” Sonic leaned on the porch railing with a smile. “Is there anything I could do to… I dunno, make the transition a little easier? For him, I mean. He seems stressed.”

“He’s a creature of habit, blue. Just give him time.” Something like pots clanked from her side. But she came back with a smirk in her voice. “And, you know, rail him consistently. Keeps me pretty docile.”

Heat flooded Sonic’s body. “Okay, thanks, Rouge, bye now.”

The line died in the middle of her cackling.

It’d been a couple weeks since the incident. 

Physically, Shadow hadn’t been the same since. He moved differently. Like they were relearning each other’s boundaries. The apology he’d offered for his behavior had been sincere, and Sonic accepted it without other thought. But something lingered. Embarrassment, maybe. Sonic wasn’t sure how to convey that everything was okay between them.

Part of him felt guilty that he still thought about it. Aside from the emotional distress, it was hot. It was so hot. The memory had basically become mental torture, and Shadow moving in with him made it near impossible to relieve himself. 

It had to be a conversation soon.

As Sonic turned to head back inside, his hand paused on the door handle. Through the window to his left, he spotted Shadow at the kitchen table, hunched slightly, reading the label on a bottle of plant food he’d picked up earlier that day. His cactus sat beside him, squat and healthy, its long spines catching light.

His heart swelled.

Eventually, once they’d settled into the rhythm of cohabitation, Sonic started teasing Shadow about his routines. Lightly at first, then a little too often.

“Did you know you scream in your sleep?” Shadow abruptly rebutted with one day. 

Sonic froze. “Huh? I do?”

“Yes. Most nights.” He set his ashtray on the small folding table by the door. “You wake up in a sweat and it takes an hour for you to calm down.”

Oh. Tails had been the last one to tell him that before he moved out. The last one-night he had didn’t say anything about any screaming, so he figured he was good. Albeit, that was years ago now. He wondered how long it’d been happening again. Whatever hazy memory he ever had about them was hard to decipher.

“So, you’re not the only one who’s adjusting to quirks. Got it?” Shadow punctuated his point by chomping a piece of gum in half.

Sonic cringed. As much as he tried to prevent it, Shadow definitely heard his conversation with Rouge. “Yeah. Sorry, I didn’t… realize that was still a thing for me.”

Softening, Shadow approached and tucked his book under an arm to reach and wipe the puffy skin under Sonic’s eye with his thumb. “It’s fine. Thanks for the folding table. It’s useful.”

“Sure.”

To remedy the awkward silence that followed, Shadow showed interest in the drum set in the hangar.

“That old thing? I haven’t touched it in a few years.”

“Will you play for me?”

The quiet question made Sonic blush. “Eh. I’m kinda rusty.”

“I don’t mind.” Shadow’s eyes were too gentle to argue with.

Sonic took a feather duster from the closet and led Shadow to it. It didn’t take too long to get it back into shape. He sat on the stool with his sticks in hand. They were wrapped in layers of red and blue duct tape. Worse for ware, too, scratched up and weathered in some spots.

“You ever play any instruments?” Sonic asked while he adjusted the cymbals.

Shadow brushed off another stool by the wall and sat to watch.“I’ve dabbled in piano here and there. Abraham used to play. It always interested me.”

“Oh, sweet. I’d like to see that.”

Rolling up his sleeves, Sonic tapped out a few warm-up rhythms, then launched into a beat he half-remembered from years ago. Despite the time away, his body knew what to do. He’d forgotten how good it felt. The resistance of the drumheads, the cymbals’ shutter, and how each strike produced a sound that was immediate and satisfying. It all came rushing back. His arms moved fast but controlled, shoulders loose, breath syncing with the rhythm. He lost himself in it.

When he finally stopped, sweat clung to his temples and his breath was shallow. He looked over and found Shadow staring with his legs tightly crossed and a deep blush over his muzzle. His pupils were dilated, locked on tan arms.

Sonic chuckled. “You like that, Shads? Lookin’ a little sweaty yourself.”

Rolling his eyes, Shadow mumbled, “It’s an attractive quality.”

“Come over here, then.”

After a second of hesitation, Shadow crossed the space between them and stopped just shy of the stool. Heat radiated off of him. Sonic couldn’t hide his smirk.

“Wanna try it?”

Shadow nodded, eyes flicking to the sticks in Sonic’s hands.

Sonic patted the space next to him. “Sit with me.”

Their thighs pressed together when he did so. 

Sonic handed him one of the sticks, their fingers grazing in the exchange. The grip Shadow immediately gave it almost made Sonic laugh.

“Relax,” he murmured, reaching over to adjust his fingers. “It’s not a weapon.”

Shadow nodded, jaw tight.

Sonic tapped the snare once. “This is your anchor. We’ll build around it.” He tapped again then added on with another drum. “One-two-three-four,” he counted aloud. “Now you try.”

Shadow struck the snare too light.

“Harder,” Sonic said, nudging his elbow. “C’mon, didn’t think I’d have to tell you to be assertive.”

Shadow rolled his eyes, but tried again. The sound rang out cleaner.

“There you go.” Sonic grinned. He ruffled through a bag sitting to the side and pulled out another set of sticks. “Now match me.”

They played together, slow and basic. Sonic kept the tempo steady, guiding Shadow with subtle nods and muttered encouragement. Shadow’s movements were stiff at first, but gradually loosened. His shoulders dropped. His breathing evened.

Shadow glanced at him. “It’s… satisfying.”

“Yeah,” Sonic said, watching him closely. “It’s expressive. Like, talking without words, hm?”

They kept going, layering. Sonic leaned in, shoulder brushing Shadow’s, guiding his foot to the pedal.

“Just tap it here,” he said. “Like this.”

Shadow followed, and the beat came together, imperfect, but alive. While he played, Sonic shifted, letting his arm fall behind Shadow so his hand could rest on the edge of the seat by his bottom.

Breath warm against Shadow’s cheek, Sonic hummed. “You’re doing great.”

“You make it look easy. I feel stupid.”

Sonic shrugged. “I’m just a show off. And you don’t look stupid, you look hot.”

They sat there in the leftover hum from the beat, the air between them charged. Sonic’s heart thudded. Which was odd because usually after knowing someone so long, especially intimately, it wouldn’t do that anymore by now.

“You could probably benefit from getting involved in something like this.” Sonic swallowed. His volume suffered from Shadow’s proximity. “It’s a good, physical way to get your mind off things.”

Another blush filled Shadow’s face. The other reference in that sentence hadn’t occurred to Sonic.

“Unless there’s a different,” he inhaled, “physical way you’d rather go about that. I’m fine with that under the right conditions.” The right conditions? Why was he negotiating? What was he even talking about. He blinked hard. “Um… I miss kissing you. If that’s anything. I don’t know how to tell you that, so I guess I’m just saying it.”

Shadow’s lips pressed into a line. “I didn’t mean to withdraw.”

“No, you haven’t withdrawn, really, you just… are you still embarrassed about that night?”

Brown eyes darted off.

“You don’t have to be. Promise.”

“I tried to use you. I’m not… proud of that.”

“You were vulnerable, Shads. If anything, I should’ve stopped you sooner. I knew you weren’t one hundred percent.”

Shadow scoffed. “Don’t blame it on yourself.”

“Then we’re both to blame. We can leave it at that, right? I dunno, man, it’s not bothering me or anything. I just wanna kiss you again.” A playful smile teased Sonic’s cheeks. “Like c’mon, I’m dyin’ here.”

Shadow snorted, then leaned in and kissed him. Slow, giving him plenty of time to savor it.

Sonic received a call from a town in the Northern Tundra that had a few badnik spottings. He rolled out of bed, ‘mhm’ing and nodding, and snatched a notebook from the junk drawer in the kitchen to jot down coordinates.

“No problem. You guys can count on me,” he said with his thick morning voice.

After cleaning up and throwing together some supplies, he leaned out the back door, the crisp air brushing his cheeks and a duffel bag on his shoulder.

“Hey. Might be gone a couple days. You gonna be alright here?”

Shadow didn’t look up right away. He slipped a bookmark into the thick novel resting on his lap, then turned his head just enough for Sonic to catch the edge of his profile. “Yes,” he said. “Be careful.”

Sonic stepped outside, crossing the porch with a grin tugging at his lips. He leaned down for a quick peck to Shadow’s temple. “Always am.”

But as he straightened, Shadow’s hand shot out and caught the collar of his sweater, tugging him back in.

“Don’t ever leave on a lie,” he said, eyes on Sonic’s lips. “It’s bad luck.”

Sonic blinked, then smirked. “Yeah? Wanna give me a good luck kiss?”

“After you state a truth.”

“Hm.” Sonic braced a hand on the armrest of Shadow’s chair, weight settling there. His other hand lifted, tracing a slow line along Shadow’s jaw, thumb grazing the edge of his cheek. “I’ll miss you dearly.”

Shadow batted his hand away. “Good enough. Get out of here.”

Sonic lingered, eyes warm, then kissed him several times before he ran off.

The village lay quiet beneath a blanket of snow, tucked into the folds of the Northern Tundra. Sonic remembered it vaguely; the wind-chapped cheeks, warm stew, and laughter echoing off timber walls. It had been years. He hadn’t expected to be summoned back, and when the request came, he’d felt a strange mix of pride and reluctance. 

Once he got into the deep cold just outside the village, his boots crunched against packed ice. Children darted past him, bundled in patchwork coats, shouting “Eggy!”. He winced at the nickname but smiled anyway. He’d earned it, apparently. His reputation as the “Eggman Guy” had stuck pretty firmly with kids.

Inside the community center, warmth bloomed from a central fire and the welcoming faces that greeted him. The chief, an intimidating tower of a wolf, shook his hand, then nudged his daughter toward him. Sonic’s breath caught as he steadied her stumble by her shoulders.

“Oh, um,” he fumbled. “Hey, Lusa. It’s been a while.”

Her fur shimmered under the firelight, rich brown. Diamond eyes that had undone him once before looked him up and down. She blushed. “Sonic, yes—a while.”

He remembered her more than he wanted to admit. The feel of her fur on his fingers, the heat of her breath against his neck. Back then, he’d been much more reckless with his… relations.

“I was actually the one to call you here,” Lusa said. She cleared her throat and averted her eyes. “I can’t remember the last time we saw badniks.”

She guided him through the village once the snow let up, pointing out tracks, half-buried scrap, and places where the ice had been disturbed. Sonic listened, nodded, made mental notes. 

His estimate of a few days stretched into more than a week. Beneath the Tundra, he uncovered a sprawling, half-abandoned Eggman base deep in frost. It took time to hazard-check, to seal the entrances, to reassure the villagers that they were safe again. Thankfully the activity was harmless, just a few abandoned badniks reactivating on their own.

The cold was biting. Nights stretched long and silent, broken only by the occasional crackle of the fire or howling wind. The room they’d given him was small, but warm. Sleep was elusive. 

He missed Shadow.

He hadn’t been lying when he said he would, but he didn’t think it’d actually hurt or that he’d be thinking of such mundane things. Like the way he stirred his coffee, the way he read labels so intently with that cute crease in his brow, or the tone he said Sonic’s name with when he was trying not to laugh.

The thumbs-up emoji Shadow sent in response to every message was maddening. But service was scarce, and he was lucky when anything went through.

On a night near his last day, restless and wired, he padded into the communal kitchen for water. The fridge door creaked open, and just as he reached for the pitcher—

“Hey.”

He jumped, nearly knocking over a jar of pickled herring. “Girl, you’re gonna kill me. Holy shit,” he hissed, clutching his chest.

Lusa laughed softly. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.”

He poured two glasses, handed her one, and they stood side by side. The fire was low and didn’t provide much light.

“So, um… you, like… married or something?” Sonic asked, fingers tapping on the counter.

“No. I had a long term partner, but it didn’t work out.”

“Ah. Sorry.”

“It happens.” She twirled the end of her ponytail.

He didn’t know what to say. Seeing her again was strange, like stepping into a version of himself he’d outgrown. She gave him those big eyes, and he remembered how it had happened last time. Sudden. Breathless. A blur of discarded clothes. He’d done well avoiding her up to that point.

Sonic cleared his throat and opened his mouth, but Lusa put her hand over his.

“I had a great time with you when you were here last. If you even remember it.”

Sonic flushed and pulled away. “I do.” 

“I kind of do.” She sidled up close to him. “My memory is a little hazy, though. Think you could remind me?”

Flinching away, Sonic laughed, awkward and strained. “Hey, I think we got off on the wrong foot. I’m in a committed relationship these days.”

Lusa rolled her eyes and leaned over the counter, placing her chin in a hand. “You jerk. Why didn’t you just say so? Thanks for letting me embarrass myself.”

Relief filled him. “Oh, thank god. I was afraid you’d, like, tell your dad and he’d hate me or something, I dunno. Not trying to make enemies around here.”

They talked for a while. She vented about her ex. Sonic told her about Shadow, how he’d just moved in.

“Moved in, huh?” she said, eyebrow raised. “Sounds serious.”

Sonic crossed his arms, leaning back. “I mean… yeah. I’m serious about him.”

She smiled. “Do you love him?”

It hit harder than expected. His stomach fluttered. Question of the year, that.

“… yeah. I do.”

“Hold on to that. You never know when things could go south.”

They parted amicably, and Sonic felt confident he still had a friend in her.

Later, in bed, he stared at the ceiling. Her question echoed, but the answer had already settled in. He did love Shadow. It felt more concrete after rolling off his tongue so easy.

The town dragged his departure by more than an hour with their goodbyes, so once he did set off later in the evening, he knew he’d be getting home after dark. It was a longer run, even for him.

For as excited as he was to return, he couldn’t help the raging anxiety he had simmering beneath the surface. It was completely unrealistic to think Shadow would up and leave while he was gone. He wasn’t that kind of guy. He knew how to operate on his own, and he wouldn’t be angry with him for being gone longer than he’d estimated. Right?

Feeling the air shift above twenty below was a blessing on his fur and nose. As his surroundings moved toward familiar, his heart beat faster, and he couldn’t keep a smile from his face. Something about being homeward bound always helped his mood.

The house was dark when he pulled up, and his heart sank. It wasn’t late enough for Shadow to be asleep. He slowed, circling around to the front, tension creeping up his spine.

Then the porch light came into view, casting a warm glow over Shadow curled in his usual chair. He was dressed in one of Sonic’s band hoodies and a pair of checkered pajama bottoms, feet and hands bare, looking soft and settled. 

Sonic walked up and placed his shoe over the bottom stair. “Hey,” he said, a little winded, beyond happy to see him there with his ‘happy face’. Which was just a face that didn’t look pissed off.

Shadow snubbed his cigarette in the tray set next to him on his folding table. “Hey.” He tipped his head toward the other side of the front door. “Got you a chair.”

Sonic’s heart fluttered. That was the first addition Shadow had made since he moved in that hadn’t come from his own apartment. He wanted to sit with him. Still a decent distance away because of the smoke, but Sonic wasn’t complaining. Trying to hold back a smile, he plopped his bag down and accepted the offered seat. His puffer coat sighed at the pressure.

They caught up. Shadow had gone back to work and was assigned several missions for the next few months. No more office. He invited Sonic along, who couldn’t be happier to accept. Action was great; action with Shadow was even better.

Shadow went on about some drama at HQ concerning the time he disappeared for. Sonic, honest to God, was listening. But he was also obsessing over the conversation he’d had with Lusa. He sank into his seat with the weight of keeping his mouth shut. 

Setting his chin in hand, he watched Shadow talk. He watched his canines appear, his lips curl over words, his bare hands gesture in the air, and his snout shrivel when he spoke of something irritating. The comfort Shadow showed in order to speak a stream of consciousness to him only worsened his condition. He loved when he did that. So as soon as he took a breath, Sonic couldn’t not say it.

“I love you.”

Everything paused. Shadow’s eyes snapped to him, disbelief being their primary shine. He waited for something else to be said, but nothing else really needed said. 

Shadow swallowed. “You love me? Or the feeling.”

Sonic laughed, a lazy pour from his chest. “Dude, what? You are the feeling.”

It took Shadow a while to process that. He stood and waved Sonic inside, grabbing his bag for him. Then he quietly went about his nightly routines. The lights. The locks. The blanket on the couch that needed folded.

Sonic waited for him by the kitchen peninsula, leaning on it with an elbow. He watched him pad about the house, fussing and very apparently thinking. Finally, once the only light present was a night light plugged into the hallway, he came to a stop in front of Sonic with a lump in his throat.

“I love you, too.”

“You’re kinda nutty, you know that?”

“Don’t make me knock you right back into the Tundra. You better kiss me now, Hedgehog.”

Sonic pulled him in by the hip. “My bad.”

Their lips found each other in the dark. 

The moment Shadow touched him, warmth blossomed through Sonic’s body. But the hollow ache didn’t fade. If anything, it grew sharper, more demanding, hungrier. Missing him fell straight into an all-consuming need. He needed him. 

Their kiss caught fire fast, breath and tongue and teeth all working to eat each other alive. Shadow’s warm fingers touching his still-cold cheeks were sparklers through his fur.

Sonic broke just enough to speak, voice low as he turned them, pressing Shadow back into the counter. “Did you miss me?”

Shadow’s answer came with a nip to his lip. “Of course I did.” 

“Did you think about me?” He shucked his gloves off.

Dark eyes flicked to him, visible by moonlight in the kitchen window. “Is that not part of missing you?”

Sonic hummed, the sound wafting over Shadow’s cheek as he trailed his breath down the line of his jaw, then lower over his neck. He played with the edge of the hoodie bunched at his waist until his hand slipped beneath, palm chilled as it skimmed against fur growth so Shadow could feel it. 

“Shads,” he murmured, pulling their bodies together, aligning their hips. “Did you think about me?”

The pulse under his lips jumped. Shadow clutched at the thick collar of his puffer jacket which still had frost within its creases.

“Yes,” he whispered. 

Sonic’s stomach twisted, gut gnawing on itself. “Did you do anything about it?”

Swallowing, Shadow lay his forehead on Sonic’s shoulder and nodded.

“What'd you do?”

“Sonic—”

“I wanna know. What did you do while you were thinking about me, hm?” Sonic pressed a knee between his legs and found one of Shadow’s lowest nipples with a thumb. “Did you touch yourself?”

A shaky breath fell through Shadow’s nose as he nodded again.

“C’mon, details.” He ground his growing pouch against Shadow’s hip, raising his thigh higher into Shadow’s groin. “With your hands? Your toy?”

When Shadow shook his head side to side, Sonic chuckled.

“Then with what?”

Shadow tugged at his coat. Sonic shrugged it off without protest, the weight of it slipping down his arms and hitting the floor with a soft, padded thump. The sound barely registered before Shadow reached again, knuckles brushing Sonic’s stomach as he plucked at the hem of his white t-shirt.

Sonic peeled it off, too. It cleared his head and joined the jacket on the floor.

Leaning back just enough for Sonic to see him fully—the dark flush rising along his muzzle and the elevated pace of his breathing—Shadow splayed his hands over Sonic’s bare chest, fingers flexing through thick, winter fur.

Sonic’s mouth opened to again try and coax a response, but Shadow’s eyes snapped to his.

“A drumstick.”

Those words chained Sonic in a chokehold. He couldn’t respond, the sound catching in his throat, too inundated with the mental image of Shadow laid out across his bed fucking himself with the drumstick he’d used hundreds of times to make music. Closing his eyes tight, he cleared his throat.

“You, um… my drumstick? Like, the torn up ones with the tape?”

Shadow ground against his thigh. “I used one of your spares. Your taped one stayed between my teeth. I tried not to mess it up.”

The glint in Shadow’s eye was not apologetic, but challenging. Asking him to do something about it. Sonic swallowed thickly, the arousal thrumming through his bones creating excess saliva. The image persisted, getting gratuitous. Shadow on his split knees, ass in the air, arm stretched down to pump the stick in and out of himself while the red and blue stick stayed clutched between his teeth vice-like.

A soft touch to his hand snapped him out of his stupor. Shadow slid it beneath the hoodie and placed his palm over his racing heart. It beat much faster than Sonic ever expected to cause. He pet the fur there, but not for long before Shadow dragged him down to his waistband.

“My body craves you,” he said, words fanning across Sonic’s lips, eyes digging into him.

When Sonic’s fingers slid under the band, unreasonable heat met them. Shadow’s sweet scent wafted up to his nose, and it sent pulses through his own emerging erection. Everything was molten to the touch—his cock which latched to his wrist, his lips which spread easy, his valley which welcomed him like hot springs.

“It’s annoying how wet you make me. I ran from it that first night. It’s immediate and consuming.” Shadow wiggled his hips to let Sonic’s touch sink lower between heat and thigh, keeping his own hand layered over him, urging him to pet. “Your scent makes me shake.”

It wasn’t hard to believe when he could feel that tremble on his middle and index finger pressed together against his hole.

“I feel the same about yours,” Sonic mumbled. Using his spare hand that’d been clutched on the counter for dear life, he unzipped his pants and pulled himself out into the cold kitchen air. “I could cut diamond with this thing.”

Shadow looked down at him, and Sonic watched his pupils dilate in real time as he gave himself a long stroke. Sonic’s fingers teased again, pressing into him, the rim easily giving under two fingers. A fresh rush of arousal slicked Sonic’s hand, warm and startling.

Shadow’s breath hitched. His voice came low, rough. “Meet me in the bedroom.”

Then he vanished.

Sonic blinked. “Wh—?”

He stared at his now-empty hand, still curled and wet. The heat lingered, but the contact was gone. He flexed his fingers, then closed them into a fist.

“Dude,” he called out, voice cracking. “You can’t just disappear! You want me to fuck you or what?” He looked down at himself. “I’ve got my dick out and everything.”

From the back of the house, Shadow’s voice rang sharp and impatient. “I said meet me here. Run, you idiot.”

Sonic groaned, dragging his non-soiled hand down his face. The tension in his body hadn’t gone anywhere, but he bent down anyway, gathering his discarded clothes with a sigh, wiping his hand off on his shirt. He grabbed his duffel bag, kicked off his shoes, and padded to the laundry room, just one door away from the bedroom.

He opened the washing machine, the cold metal biting at his fingers, and tossed the clothes in along with his pants he shed. 

Then Shadow appeared in the doorway, arms crossed, eyes narrowed. “What are you doing?” He asked, glancing down at Sonic’s erection blowing in the wind.

“Putting my clothes in the wash real quick,” he muttered, voice flat. “You’ll just bitch at me in the morning if I leave my coat in a puddle of melted snow.”

Shadow huffed, turned on his heel, and disappeared back into the bedroom. “Forget about it. Get in here.”

Sonic rolled his eyes, but a grin tugged at his mouth. “Oh, come on. First you use my drumsticks to fuck yourself—not what they’re for, by the way—then you don’t want me to pick up my laundry? I don’t know who you are anymore.”

“Get in here, and I’ll remind you.”

Ear twitching at the tone of Shadow’s voice, Sonic dropped the washer lid and decided to run it later.

As soon as he walked into the room, a dense wall of his own cologne assaulted his nose. “Shadow, what the—” 

Oh. The room was dim, the lamplight set to its lowest tier. Every single article of Sonic’s clothing was on the bed, arranged around the edge like a nest. Shadow had set out a beach towel over the middle and the end where he sat, completely bare, leaned back on his hands, feet propped on the bed frame. 

Sonic slowly shut the door behind himself. “Okay.”

Like the slide of a dial, Shadow gradually melted as Sonic approached. His ears tucked back, fur and quills flared, and his feet slid outward, slowly revealing himself. 

Placing his hands on his hips, Sonic stopped at the foot of the bed and took him in. “Are you in heat or something? You’re, like—an animal right now.”

“Are you stupid?”

“Oh, good to know you’re still here.”

Shadow growled at him, but as soon as Sonic took another step toward him, he stopped, legs twitching wider, eyes darting between his face and his cock. 

The V of Shadow’s legs welcomed him warmly, heat radiating from the apex, and for the first time, Sonic got a good look at everything. Shadow’s cock looked tense, coiled and twitching. There were divoted lines up the sides, and there didn’t appear to be much of a head. Taking each of Shadow’s knees in hand, he pressed them up toward his torso to spread swollen, furry lips and reveal striking pink within a sea of black. The opening was visible and desperate, glistening with slick. Small labia bracketed it. It wasn’t so different from others, the only noticeable detail being the absence of a urethra.

Sonic paused. Where was it, then?

Concentration moving back to Shadow cock, Sonic gave his knees a small nudge and said, stern, “Hold these.”

The words had barely left his tongue when Shadow listened, pulling his knees tight and wide, leaning back on the bed with a sigh.

Sonic pushed Shadow higher up on the mattress and crawled on, jostling a few shirts to the ground. He settled before him, the sight forcing angry throbs through his own cock. Then he reached for Shadow’s. It met him halfway. 

Heat-seeking, Sonic thought as it welcomed his fist around the base.

Shadow squirmed, breathing ragged, purr beginning to seep from his chest. But he seemed too out of it to rush him.

Once Sonic began pumping it, it latched around the curve of his hand. The velvety skin traveled with his palm, bunching on the upstroke, stretching on the down. The longer he did so, the more the tip flared, and there it was—the urethra—within the head’s fold.

“Shads, your body is somethn’ else,” Sonic mumbled, chest on fire.

Shadow had a hard time responding, claws digging into his own knees.

Still giving him languid strokes, Sonic reached out a thumb to trace down a lip then pull it aside. The beach towel had apparently been completely necessary because Shadow’s hole looked to be crying, fluid leaking out in streams over his tail.

“Little needy down here, hm?” Sonic said, drifting over to tap on his wet entrance. His thumb dipped in the slightest bit.

Shadow’s hips rolled, and he had to let go of his knees to put his hands over his eyes as he cried out. “Sonic, please. I need it.”

In time with his other hand, he took two fingers and rubbed them up and down his slit, collecting slick, sure to brush over the sensitive point near the top. “You need what, baby? This?” 

Another cry fell from Shadow’s lips, breathless and weak.

Sonic’s middle and ring fingers sank into his heat easily, one after the other. Intense warmth surrounded them as well as a strange… bristle? He rotated some, feeling around. The entire cavern was covered in small, flimsy nubs. The only comparison he could think of was a shag bath rug. 

Alright. This was getting to him. The mental wall he’d placed in order to explore what he was working with was being torn down brick by brick. He took a deep breath and tried his best to ignore his own cock for a little longer.

“Sonic, I’m gonna come,” Shadow panted.

Sonic’s eyes snapped to Shadow’s flushed, gasping face. “Go on, then. I’m sure you’re good for seconds, hm? Let me see you.”

Not sure where exactly to pleasure inside, Sonic curled his fingers against the roof of Shadow’s canal and received confirmation enough from his sob.

Still, while Shadow was trying not to lose his mind, he had to ask, “S’that feel good, Shads?”

“Yes, yes, keep doing it,” Shadow pleaded.

Sonic gripped his cock a little tighter, and Shadow crumbled in cries. Intense quakes wreaked havoc through his body. The pressure around Sonic’s finger’s tightened and quivered. As clear fluid spurt through his cock, Sonic quickly released him and took a shirt from the nest to catch it before it got everywhere.

“There ya go,” Sonic murmured, gently dabbing his tip with the shirt to make sure nothing got on him. Once he was sure he was done, he tossed it into the hamper in the far corner and gently removed his fingers from inside him. “Was that okay?”

Shadow stared at the ceiling while he purred, his hand clenching and unclenching in his chest fur. His feet flopped to the bed. “Yeah,” he sighed. 

While Shadow came back down, Sonic leaned over him and showered his stomach in kisses. His hands massaged up and down his sides, dragging claws through fur. 

“So, real talk,” Sonic mumbled. “You can’t like… get pregnant, can you?”

“Even if we were compatible in that way, I’m infertile.”

“Oh, thank God. The last thing I need is a kid.”

“Likewise.” 

When he shifted up to kiss Shadow, a warm hand was waiting for him. It wrapped around him and sent pangs of goosebumps up his spine. 

“Baby, you better be touchin’ me ‘cause you’re ready to go,” Sonic said, strained.

Shadow steered Sonic’s cock head between his own lips, causing Sonic to grit his teeth and growl. “Put it in,” he rasped.

“Give me a second, man,” Sonic said, gripping his own cock at the base, taking it over.

Shadow’s hand retreated up to Sonic’s chest where they both pet. 

Trying to gain his composure, Sonic dropped his forehead onto Shadow’s and dragged himself along his distended skin. Slick gathered, and he directed a rut to the bump at the base of Shadow’s cock. The dense responding sigh made his ear flick, so he held himself there, feeling his own hum of need.

Their eyes stayed locked as Sonic drifted down to his waiting hole, the warmth aching on his cock. His whole body lit on fire when he gave that first shallow thrust. Both their mouths dropped open, stunned by an inch. Shadow’s legs rose higher, lazily split as far as they could go, and his hands shifted up to take a tight hold on Sonic’s shoulders.

Sonic slowly worked his way in, groaning at the texture inside. It caressed him tight, the nubs velvety heaven on his cock.

“Oh my God,” Sonic grunted. He bottomed out, and Shadow’s canal held him there, the suction tight. “Dammit, I—” He shuddered. “Your pussy is insane—no way am I gonna last.”

Shadow’s voice reached him, thin and warbled with his purr, “I just wanted you inside. Calm down.”

Using that as permission to take his time, Sonic tried to relax. He dropped to his elbows and nuzzled into Shadow’s neck where that sickly sweet scent lived, but as his arm shifted, it bumped something hard underneath the beach towel. Perfect. A distraction.

Sonic folded the edge of the towel down and rummaged for whatever it was. He knew as soon as he touched it.

“Why is this here?” He asked, chuckling, holding up the rose quartz elephant for Shadow to see.

Shadow hummed. “I kept it here while you were gone. Made me think of you.”

“Seems uncomfortable.” He haphazardly set it on the border of clothes.

Once he caught his bearings, Sonic sat all the way up and took in Shadow under him. He was blissed out, pupils blown and fur poofed everywhere, completely content with the stagnant pressure inside. Experimentally, Sonic tilted his hips back. 

The grip was a vice, like Shadow had formed a mold around him and it would soon dry to cement. But he persisted, trying harder, and the most obscene noises accompanied his exit. It felt incredible. The shift in pressure and the way Shadow held on to him had the base of his cock tingling. It was completely coated in a thick layer of slick.

Shadow protested the loss with a short, urgent snort. 

“I know, I know, gettin’ a good angle.”

Sonic spread his legs and braced an arm next to Shadow’s shoulder, then with a hand splayed through Shadow’s chest fur, he rolled his hips forward.

The power was jostling—Shadow’s cunt sucked him back in fervently. Their soaked fur smacked and Shadow grunted. But when Sonic pulled back again, his arm almost gave out.

“Fuck. How do you feel that good?” Sonic growled.

He couldn’t take it anymore. Throwing caution to the wind, he pistoned in, then out, then in again with expletives accompanying each movement. After gritting his teeth, he found a mind-numbing rhythm, and his balls ached and tightened.

“Hey,” Shadow said quietly, holding Sonic’s jaw with both hands. 

Not even aware of when his eyes had closed or when his snout shriveled so hard, his eyes shot open. “Hm? You okay?” 

Shadow pulled him into a kiss. Their mouths and tongues meshed the best they could between labored breaths. It had Sonic lowering his body to lay over him, then winding his arms under his back. Shadow hugged him over the neck and linked his legs around him.

It was wet and messy but so, so good. He chased that feeling in his cock, and when Shadow started making noise, curt grunts in the back of his throat, he drove harder and faster, pulling Shadow down to meet him.

And still, it wasn't enough. Pressure built in Sonic’s sinuses, almost like he’d start crying if he thought about it too hard. Shadow. This bond was being formed with Shadow, and he couldn’t be happier. That annoying jerk he’d punched more times than he could count was underneath him right now, eagerly receiving everything he had to give. He wanted to give Shadow everything.

Sonic’s gut grew taut like a threat. He sank down farther on his knees and began thrusting shallow and deep. Shadow was much more receptive to that kind of motion, his tight, hungry cunt giving it some kind of spring, making it easier to keep the rapid pace.

Under the relentless pounding, Shadow freely cried out, breathing choked and moans throaty. He clung to Sonic tight, twitching and clenching.

Victim to Shadow’s voice and the sopping wet sounds of their union, Sonic snapped and slotted them firmly together. Pleasure carved its way through his pelvis to his extremities as he emptied into Shadow. A low groan poured from his nose and clenched jaw. 

“God,” he croaked, still grinding.

Then his world tipped. Shadow expertly rolled them over without disturbing their connection. He sat up on him winded, frazzled, and flustered in his glory, quills completely extended and white patch violating code, both messier than he’d ever seen them. Sonic stared up with wide eyes, stunned.

Shadow started rutting his hips back and forth with a hand on his tan abdomen, and Sonic squirmed.

“Ah, baby, that’s—” his eyes rolled back into his head before clenching shut, and his claws dug into Shadow’s thighs where he clutched him, “Hoo, I’m overstimulated.”

Shadow paid him no mind, only murmuring, “You can handle it.”

Could he? It felt like his cock head was about to explode. 

But Shadow continued, alternating between petting his own cock and tweaking his lowest left nipple. He didn’t pull up once, but it certainly felt like he was trying to go down more.

It was near agony for the first bit, but Sonic toughed it out with whines and clenching toes. Once that gradually passed, he couldn’t get over how gorgeous Shadow was on top of him. Arousal curled in his stomach again. He was using his cock like some toy and God that turned him on. It wasn’t long before he’d stiffened up again, giving back the full tool to work with.

Shadow noticed immediately and a ghost of a smile visited his face. He dragged one of Sonic’s hands from his thigh, turned it over and guided it to that spot at the base of his cock. Sonic quickly began rubbing circles over it.

“Like that, baby? That’s what you want?” Sonic asked, breathing ragged. “You’re so fuckin’ hot, Shadow. I’d let you use me however ya wanted.”

An airy whine fell from Shadow’s lips. Their eyes bore into each other.

“Yeah, sweetheart, ‘m all yours. Me, my attention, my dick. Anything you want, know I’d die gettin’ it for you.”

“Sonic,” Shadow moaned, leaning onto Sonic’s chest with both hands, hips stuttering and winding.

“C’mon, show me.”

Shadow gasped, and his eyes squeezed shut. His body froze, every muscle tensing up. When he tipped over the edge, stuttered, choked moans streamed from his mouth. The walls surrounding Sonic’s cock closed in on him, quivering into a death hold while Shadow’s hips melted into a buttery grind. It appeared to be a different kind of orgasm. Instead of his cock flaring open like last time, it tensed down into a tight, trembling coil. 

Heaving for air, Shadow kneaded at Sonic’s chest. His eyes drooped open, irises hair lines, barely visible bordering pools of black. It took him a bit to come back. But he never made any motions to remove himself. In fact, he lay across Sonic, tucking his knees and nuzzling against his neck.

Sonic pet Shadow’s pinned ear between finger and thumb. “Hey, Shads. That was pretty intense. You alright?”

“Mhm,” he said, then started a deep purr.

“Good, good. Um… so I’m kind of… hard as hell right now and—”

Shadow softly shushed him. “Relax. Just feel me.”

Swallowing, Sonic set his head back against the pillows. Okay. Relax. Feel. He released the tension in his muscles, letting Shadow’s weight fully sink onto him.

Then Shadow clenched around him, hugging his cock tight within his cunt.

“Oh,” Sonic sighed. 

It was warm and soft. Comfortable. The clenches came in holds of five and releases of ten. A leisurely, unrushed pace which turned his mind to goo. All the while, Shadow’s purr kept trilling, even coaxing one out of Sonic, and his hands again kneaded at his tan chest, rolling and grabbing the muscle under his palm. 

After several minutes of enjoying Shadow’s heat, Sonic began breathing deep on every grasp. His claws raked through the fur on Shadow’s flanks as he tried to distract himself from the urge to thrust. His cock throbbed and twitched, expectant of more.

Reading his condition, Shadow very slightly lifted himself on the next pulse, petting his cock in all the right places with that firm hold. Three of those sent Sonic’s orgasm across his skin like a low-tide wave. The beginning was deceitful. The second wave was intense, spanning out from the base of his cock and stealing his soul. His moan was long and soft as he again emptied into Shadow, not wanting to disturb the peace they’d set, yet letting his own hips finally earn some motion by rubbing his glans along the deepest, frilliest parts of his canal.

Shadow’s purr grew louder, and he burrowed back down onto Sonic, apparently planning on living there. He reached for the elephant that had fallen inward with all the motion, then held it against his chest while running his thumb along the smooth surface.

Something occurred to Sonic. Was this all Shadow wanted that night after the funeral? To feel comfort—a connection to someone?

“I love you so much, Shadow,” Sonic murmured. It was the only thing in his mind during his staring contest with the ceiling. Truly, the feeling had been buzzing in his heart for months.

Shadow spoke into his fur, “I love you, too.”

“…we definitely need to shower.”

“Carry me.”

“So, how have things been with him? You haven’t called me in a while.”

“Good. Fantastic, even.”

They’d finally gotten everyone to the house for that party. It bustled with their friends chatting in different groups and playing games. Sonic and Rouge leaned against the kitchen counters, wine glasses between their fingers.

“Especially now that we’ve gotten you all here,” he said. “It’s great having the fam back together.”

“You know, we could probably do this more often if you didn’t always want to do it same-day.” She set her glass down on the counter and held up her hands to mimic texting. “Hey, guys! Wanna come over in two hours even though there’s a massive storm coming?”

Sonic’s ears pinned. “Yeah, no. I could work on that. Shads is a lot better with the planning stuff.”

They both looked over at Shadow chatting in the living room with Blaze. Rouge’s baby curled in his arm fast asleep. He noticed their gaze and one of his ears flicked like a question. They smiled and waved, only to receive an eye roll.

“You’re taking care of him, right?”

“‘Course I am. He’s in safe hands, Rouge, don’t worry.”

Right after the evening wound down and everyone departed leaving the echoes of their laughs behind, Sonic slumped over Shadow’s shoulder.

“Tired,” he said.

Shadow hummed. “Too tired for a porch cigarette?”

“Never.”

They sat out on the porch at two in the morning. Sonic sank deep in his chair, hands folded over his stomach. Shadow lit a cig and blew the smoke in his opposite direction.

“You ever gonna let me have a smoke with ya?”

“No.”

“C’mon, won’t be my first.”

“I don’t care. I said no. And if I catch you with one, your ass is dead.”

Sonic snorted. “Hot. Gimme a piece of that gum, then. Need somethin’ to keep me awake.”

Shadow leaned over and smacked a piece into Sonic’s outreached fingers.